Stories by WTTW News

Watch the February 22, 2016 full episode of Chicago Tonight.

WTTW’s 2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for Cook County office in the March 15 election. Learn more.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office prosecutes crimes committed in Cook County, the largest consolidated court district in the U.S.; serves as legal counsel for Cook County government agencies; and serves as legal counsel for all Cook County public officials.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is the keeper of the records of the Court. The Clerk is responsible for serving the court, the legal profession and the general public by recording court decisions and events; handling fines, bail bonds and other financial transactions; and supporting the court system with record storage, microfilming, automation and other services.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is governed by a nine-member board elected at-large with three commissioners elected every two years. During the March 15 primary, some candidates will run for six-year terms, while others will run for terms that last two years.

The Cook County Board of Review is a three-member board, elected from three electoral districts, that hears and decides taxpayer complaints on assessed value or exempt status of real property in Cook County. In 2016, a one commissioner each from two of the three districts will be elected.

The office of the Recorder of Deeds records, stores and provides information that is accurate, legible, timely and easily retrievable for public and private use. The office also creates public records of land transactions, federal and state tax liens, articles of incorporation, and uniform commercial code filings.

Watch the February 18, 2016 full episode of Chicago Tonight.

Candidate statement: "I believe that the State’s Attorney of Cook County plays two important roles. The first is to prosecute crime no matter who commits it. That means being tough on crime without regard to race, uniform, politics or money. The job requires a dogged determination to remain wide-eyed about evidence … and blind to outside influence."

Candidate statement: "I have devoted my entire legal career to public service as an Assistant State’s Attorney, working for justice, fairness and compassion and advocating for victims of crime across Cook County."

Candidate statement: "I am running for State’s Attorney because our criminal justice system is broken–and incumbent State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez is part of the problem."

Candidate statement: "I ask you for your vote, because, in these very serious times, especially for our criminal justice system, it's important that we have a Clerk of Court, that will protect court records for all the people, not just for the privileged few."

Candidate statement: "My vision for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is to provide the Chicagoland area with a strong infrastructure system that will last the next 100 years."

Candidate's vision for this office: "As commissioner, I have worked to ensure homeowners and property owners receive a full and fair review of the assessed values of their property so they pay only their fair share in property taxes, while also guaranteeing schools and local communities receive these tax proceeds on time."

Candidate statement: "My guiding vision for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds is 'Accuracy-Efficiency-Advocacy.' That means protecting an accurate public record of property ownership and doing it with only the minimum amount of taxpayer resources needed to get the job done."

“This government entity, with a billion dollar plus per-year budget, needs to use its resources in a more effective manner to get the most ‘bang’ for our tax dollar investment.” Learn more about this candidate.

Candidate statement: "For the District to move forward, there is a need for a new breed of commissioner with an enlightened vision to make the agency more efficient."

Candiate statement: "The major issue for me as an incumbent Commissioner of MWRD is to continue our efforts to fund and complete the entire TARP program which includes the completion of all phases of the McCook Reservoirs to alleviate flooding for the citizens of Cook County."

Candidate statement: "I am a strong community-based advocate who works very hard to improve the lives of Chicago residents. I'm experienced and dedicated to public service. And that's why I am seeking election as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County."

Candidate's vision for this office: "To provide fair and impartial hearings in a timely, professional and cost efficient manner for taxpayers who are contesting their property tax assessment."

Candidate statement: "Transforming the MWRD into a resource recovery agency will both improve our environment and improve the District’s financial footing, providing the citizens of Cook County with its essential services in a more cost-effective way."

Candidate statement: "My vision is a Circuit Court Clerk’s office that operates the court system effectively and efficiently so the focus is on justice instead of bureaucracy."

Candidate Statement: "I will work to make sure that Cook County has the best infrastructure possible within the fiscal realties of the district."

Candidate statement: "Nothing could be more important than protecting our natural resources for future generations."

Candidate Statment: "As we see from what is happening in Flint, Michigan, protecting our water is essential for all of us."

Candidate Statement: "The most pressing issue facing the MWRD is to continue to protect the quality of our water and to continue to handle issues related to stormwater management."