Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I’m running for Cook County Assessor because this office is too important to be mismanaged. The assessor’s job affects every homeowner, every renter, every small business, and every local government. And right now, people don’t trust that the system is working the way it should. Cook County’s property tax assessments are built on outdated and error-filled data, leaving taxpayers with little confidence that their bills are fair. It doesn’t have to be this way. With more than 30 years of experience in the property tax field, I am ready to restore integrity to the system by correcting the property tax rolls and ensuring assessments that the public can trust.
What skills or experience do you have that make you particularly suited to this position?
I have more than 30 years of experience in property assessments. I have served as the Lyons Township Assessor, I was recognized for excellence in fair and accurate assessments. Raised in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, I am the son of a Chicago firefighter and a Chicago Public Schools teacher, who instilled in me a lifelong commitment to public service. I spent two decades at the Cook County Assessor’s Office, where I developed deep expertise in building an assessment system that is accurate, transparent, and fair for all taxpayers. I am a certified Illinois assessment officer, a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers, and hold a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate from DePaul University. I also serve my community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Western Springs Fire Department.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The current Assessor’s office lacks the staffing and resources needed to guarantee accuracy. I plan to expand the team of field inspectors, strengthen training for current staff, and reinstate a culture of professionalism. By investing in continuing education and professional certifications for frontline employees, we will align with industry best practices and build a property tax roll that is both credible and fair.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Under the current administration, we’ve seen missed deadlines, inaccurate assessments, appeals backlogs, and constant system problems. Fairness starts with competence, so if your data is wrong and your systems don’t work, you cannot deliver equity, and you cannot earn the public’s trust. Homeowners deserve stability and predictability and small businesses deserve a level playing field. My goal is to build an office that’s clear, accessible, and accountable. I’m running to fix what’s broken, restore confidence in the system, and make sure assessments are accurate, fair, and on time.
Is there a major policy initiative or financial issue you will look to tackle in the next year?
As Cook County Assessor, I will establish a dedicated Department of Economic Development to strengthen our communities. By bringing together residents, small businesses and industry leaders, I will create partnerships that fuel local growth, attract new opportunities and ensure our neighborhoods thrive.
If you are elected, what would the end of a successful four-year term look like for you?
Under Fritz Kaegi, working families are forced to hire a lawyer just to understand their tax bill. My ultimate goal is to create an office that’s clear, accessible, and accountable. By restoring accuracy to the Assessor’s office, working families can rest easy knowing someone is fighting day in and day out to protect them.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive?
The current Assessor’s office seriously lacks the staffing and resources needed to be accessible and responsive. By expanding the team of field inspectors, and strengthening training for current staff, I plan to reinstate a culture of professionalism and accountability.