League members voting for 23-24 Program

President Cynthia Schilsky leading the meeting.

Soften our Landscape, Conserve Water, Elect Conservation Leaders

Davis won over his audience with his enthusiasm and commitment to improving our water and environment. He also expressed his respect for LWVCC and local Leagues for our commitment to advocacy and good government. He acknowledged the importance of on-going LWVCC observing at MWRD meetings, meeting with Commissioners, and encouraging positive change. 

Davis outlined the “hard engineering” focus of MWRD on strengthening water quality and reducing floodwater, using pumps, pipes, plants, tunnels and reservoirs. But he insisted that broader environmental measures are essential and we must soften our landscapes with more green areas to reduce flooding and conserve water to maintain its quality. He stressed that we need conservation leaders in all offices

Following his introductory remarks, Davis responded to questions posed by Vice President Pris Mims, Director Diane Edmundson, and members of the audience.

Save the Date: Friday July 28

11:30 am - 1 pm

DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, DePaul Club Room

Boxed Lunch Cost $35

Registration detail in early June

Clerk of the Court Iris Martinez will help us understand the key role the people in her office play within the County’s court system – the second largest unified court system in the United States. Among other things, we’ll find out what changes she has made within the office since she took over from Clerk of the Court Dorothy Brown, who served from 2000 to 2020.

Food for Thought has been an annual summertime, low-cost fundraiser for the League since 2009. But its purpose is also to help educate us on the different aspects of the governments the Cook County League focuses on. 

June 28th Trailside Museum of Natural History Guided Walk

The LWV Cook County Forest Preserve Interest Group is excited to offer walks in the woods. On June 28 from 10am to noon a guided walk will be offered at Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest. The walk is limited to 20 people and friends of League members are welcome. Further details will be provided when you register for the walk.

To register for the walk send an email to:

[email protected]

Interest Group Meeting May 23 9 am via Zoom

Annie McGowan of the Civic Federation will be talking about some of their priorities. We will discuss if we can partner with them on some of these.

Book Discussion June 23 9 am via Zoom

"Corrections in Ink" by Keiri Blakinger, a formerly incarcerated woman.

To participate in either meeting, contact Jan Goldberg

1.The CJ interest group's letter of support for Appleseed's Electronic Monitoring recommendations was received by Chairman Daley, Chair of the Finance Committee. He told one of our observers that he would summon the various stakeholders to a meeting in order to institute their main recommendation of combining the Sheriff's EM program with that of the Chief Judge. We should only have one program in one department.

2. We are still awaiting the Illinois Supreme Court's decision about elimination of cash bail under the SAFE-T Act.

3.The Judge overseeing the CPD's consent decree is holding a public hearing virtually on June 2nd. People can testify or watch. Contact Jan Goldberg for more information.

May 27 - Spring Nature Walk/ Oak Park River Forest League

10:30 am

Trailside Museum, 738 Thatcher, River Forest

Registration required via Phone: 708-366-6530

2023-2024 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: Nancy Clark, Oak Park/River Forest.

Board members: Laura Davis, Palatine; Diane Edmundson, Chicago; Jan Goldberg, LaGrange Area ;  Betty Hayford, Evanston; Karin Hribar, Arlington Heights; 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 x127

lwvcookcounty.org