Newsletter Highlights
Save the Date: May 6, 2025
LWVCC Annual Meeting at the Brookfield Zoo
Voter Information On Upcoming Municipal Elections
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"Democracy: Everybody In, Nobody Left Out."
Pat Quinn, Former Governor of Illinois, LWVIL Issues Briefing 2025
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News from Cook County Governments
Dr. Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health, recently published a letter to the public and his employees stating the following:
"During this time of upheaval and uncertainty, I want to reiterate the spirit of Cook County Health’s almost 200-year mission to serve all in need. Cook County Health cares for all residents including those who do not have insurance. This legacy began with Cook County Hospital’s first patient, a young girl who had recently immigrated from Germany and continues proudly to this day. We believe that health care is a human right, and that all people should be able to access health care safely without fear of legal repercussions. All are welcome here."
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LWVCC Annual Meeting May 6
The LWVCC Annual Meeting will be at Brookfield Zoo on May 6, 9 am - 1pm. The featured speaker will be the Brookfield Zoo President and CEO, Dr. Mike Adkesson. Look for registration information in the March newsletter.
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Spring Municipal Elections
Information as of Feb 10, 2025
February 25 Primary
See the Cook County League Web Site Voter Information Page for more information if there is a primary in your community.
APRIL 1 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
Register to Vote (See HERE)
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By March 4: On paper or register in person with deputy registrar
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Between Feb. 27 and March 16: Online if have Illinois Driver’s License or I.D. with Cook County Clerk Registration Page.
Register to Vote and Voting (Early Voting and Election Day)
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March 17 thru March 31: at Early Voting Sites
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April 1 Election Day from 6 am to 7 pm: at your home precinct (see List) or at the Voting Centers at 69 W. Washington, Chicago pedway; Maywood Public Library; and the courthouses in Bridgeview, Markham, Rolling Meadows and Skokie
Vote by Mail
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If not on the permanent vote-by-mail list, can apply by March 27, see the Cook County Clerk's Web Site.
- Completed ballots must be:
1) Mailed and postmarked on or before April 1
2) Delivered at designated secure drop boxes at Early Voting Sites from March 17 thru March 31
3) Delivered at designated secure drop boxes from March 17 thru and including Election Day on April 1 at the Voting Centers: outside of 69 W. Washington, Chicago (not the pedway); Maywood Public Library; and the courthouses in Bridgeview, Markham, Rolling Meadows, and Skokie.
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LWVCC Interest Groups keep members informed about important activities of our local government. | |
Upcoming Meetings
All Local League members are invited to participate in these interest group meetings
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Budget & Structure Tues., Feb. 25, 10 am via Zoom
Criminal Justice Tues., March 28, 9 am via Zoom
Contact Jan Goldberg
Forest Preserve Thurs., March 6, 8:30 am via Zoom
Contact Lauramdavis90@gmail.com
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Budget & Structure Interest Group
We Learn, We Report, We Make a Difference
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Cook County Board Votes for Greater Efficiency
After a year of lobbying by the Cook County League, the Cook County Board voted on February 6 to move the Consent Agenda items from the regular Board meeting to a separate meeting, and limit the time of that meeting to no more than 60 minutes.
The Consent Agendas contain items honoring people and events (such as Black History Month). As noted by the League, the Consent Agenda items were often taking up over an hour, sometimes more than two hours, prior to the Board considering all the items of business on the regular agenda. This meant that Cook County officials and staff and the public who were interested in or needed to provide information for the regular business items had to sit through the Consent agendas, taking them away from other duties.
The Budget and Structure Interest Group spearheaded the League’s lobbying efforts which included meetings with the Commissioners and letters to the President and Board, culminating in the League providing written and verbal public comments when the items proposing the separate Consent Agenda meetings were introduced. The sponsors were President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioners Bill Lowry, John Daley and Scott Britton. These Consent Agenda meetings will start at 9 am, one hour before the regularly scheduled Board meetings each month.
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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District News
MWRD and Forest Preserves of Cook County to study major project that would connect south suburbs with nature and alleviate flooding
The MWRD and the Forest Preserves of CC just announced that they are partnering on a feasibility study in southeast Cook County for a collaborative project to provide
flood relief, restore the local ecology, and create new outdoor recreational opportunities for neighboring communities.
The length of the study is assessed at 20 months, and costs will be shared for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of a Deer Creek-Third Creek Reservoir. The new stormwater redirection undertaking and the 500 million gallons of storage improvements will help the region deal with increasing stormwater demands.
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Forest Preserve Interest Group
Nature is our Business
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- The Forest Preserves of Cook County was awarded a Certificate of Approval from the American Humane Association for its Ambassador Animal Program at its six nature centers. This approval involved an auditor who spent a week at the Nature Centers, observing the Ambassador Animals, reviewing procedures and records and talking with and observing staff as they provided husbandry, enrichment and programming with and for the Ambassador Animals. The certificate award is based on best practices and evidence-based principles. The report commended the Forest Preserve staff on their dedicated work on behalf of the animals in their care.
- At the Feb 4 Cook County Commissioners Meeting - Two ordinances approved the donation of 100 acres of land to the FP under the Wetland Mitigation Bank. This land is adjacent to current forest preserves. One goal of the Forest Preserves is to grow from the current 70,000 acres to 90,000 acres.
If you want to join our team, contact Laura Davis Lauramdavis90@gmail.com
Next team meeting is Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 8:30am on zoom
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Criminal Justice Interest Group | |
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- WTTW has a new documentary called "In Their Hands" about the Illinois parole system. Also a new series called "Firsthand" is running an episode called "Peacekeepers" about violence prevention groups.
- The Group may be doing some more court watching. The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice could use some help in that endeavor.
- The next book discussion will be Feb. 21, 2025 at 9 am via zoom. The book is "Framed" by John Grisham. It is a non-fiction book about 10 cases of wrongful conviction.
- Our next regular meeting will be on March 28, 2025 9 am via zoom.
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To participate in these meetings, please contact Jan Goldberg
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LWVCC observes and reports on board and committee meetings of Cook County government entities to provide our members with an understanding of current issues. To read more: LWVCC Observer Reports
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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
January 14, 2025
• The Cook County Forest Preserves shared the expanded engagement opportunities with the Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioners regarding Underground Railroad sites, African American Water Trail, Beaubien Youth Outdoor Ambassadors program and Juneteenth events. Part of this expansion is due to a $4 million improvement project that made the Beaubien Boat Launch site more amenable for groups.
• Tom Shepherd, Executive Director, Underground Railroad Historic Tours and Presentations- formerly Little Calumet - shared an update with the Commissioners regarding the expansion and popularity of the tours. The tours usually fill up within two days. He indicated that the tours are now part of the Midwest Underground Railroad network.
• Commissioner Donna Miller spoke to the value of these educational opportunities and called out the League of Women Voters for bringing groups to these sites.
Cook County Board Of Commissioners Health & Hospitals Committee Meeting
January 14, 2025
Dr. Kirin Joshi, newly appointment Interim Chief Operating Officer for the CC Public Health Department reported:
• Covid activity low. Flu and RSV activity high. ICU admissions are highest for Flu. Covid 19 admissions continue, primarily in adults over 65.
• Wastewater detections for RSV and Flu are increasing. Same for Covid-19 but less dramatically.
• Fall 2024 study of patients at VA hospital examined almost 45,000 COVID -19 infections, and analyzed if the case received the fall 2024 vaccine. It found that the vaccine reduced hospitalizations by 65%, Emergency room and urgent care visits by 57%, and outpatient visits by 56%.
• Cook County Health is rotating vaccination clinic hours at its 13 locations. Vaccinations are for Covid and Flu but not RSV. Locations and hours are promoted on its website.
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Local League Upcoming Events | |
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Saturday, March 8, 10:00 am In person
LWV Palos Orland Area
Democracy In Action, A Social Gathering with Juliette Gordon Low
Adapted and performed by Betsy Means
Palos Heights Public Library
12501 S. 71st Ave, Palos Heights, IL
No registration required.
Thursday, March 13, 9:30 - 11 am In person
LWV Oak Park River Forest
Coffee and Conversation
SAFE-T Act Update
Speaker: Jan Goldberg, Chair of LWVCC Criminal Justice Interest Group
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
178 Forest Avenue Oak Park, IL
No registration required.
Thursday, March 20, 6:30 - 8 pm In person
LWV Oak Park River Forest
Drinks and Dialogue
Speaker: Jennifer Rook of Thrive Counseling Center
Friendly’s Tap
6733 Roosevelt Road
Berwyn, IL 60402
No registration required
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2024-2025 Cook County League Board Members
OFFICERS: President: Cynthia Schilsky, LaGrange Area; Vice-Presidents: Pris Mims, Chicago, Kathi Graffam, LaGrange Area; Secretary: Carolyn Cosentino, Homewood/Flossmoor; Treasurer: Trudy Turner, Evanston.
Board members: Victoria Cerinich, Palos-Orland Park Area; Laura Davis, Palatine; Diane Edmundson, Chicago; Jan Goldberg, LaGrange Area ; Sue Gregory, Glenview-Glencoe; Betty Hayford, Evanston; Sandra Slayton, Homewood-Flossmoor
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, political organization whose mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government; to increase understanding of major policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to anyone regardless of gender, race, or ethnic group.
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League of Women Voters of Cook County
332 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 634, Chicago, IL 60604
312-939-5935
lwvcookcounty.org
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