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Politico
6 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Power plays by Mike Quigley, Brendan Reilly
TGIF, Illinois. We'll see you at the Bud Billiken Parade. TOP TALKER In the ever-churning machinery of Chicago politics, few moves happen in isolation. Today, we've got two established names making bold political plays. Congressman Mike Quigley, who's running for reelection in 2026, isn't ruling out a run for mayor in 2027. 'I'm interested… I'm looking across the river,' he told your Playbook host during Thursday night's in-person event at the Hideout. The Chicago Democrat cut his teeth in local politics, serving as a reform-minded Cook County commissioner before going to Congress. He has since carved out a profile in Washington as a budget hawk and transparency advocate. In other action, downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly is gathering petition signatures to challenge Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in 2026. The 42nd Ward alderman has built a reputation as a development-savvy tactician who says voters want to see a change in leadership. Preckwinkle has held the job since 2010. It's tough terrain for both politicos. For Quigley, the question would be whether he could build a citywide coalition beyond his North Side base. For Reilly, it's about scaling his brand from hyper-local ward politics to a countywide stage — all while navigating the shadow of a powerful Democratic machine that doesn't cede control easily. THE BUZZ PARTISAN PURSUIT: Sen. John Cornyn has enlisted the FBI to help locate Democratic state lawmakers from Texas holing up in Illinois to avoid a redistricting vote in Austin. It's the latest political flashpoint in a partisan battle that now spans state lines. Cornyn announced Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel had agreed to involve federal agents in the spat, though it's unclear how the bureau would proceed given that federal laws haven't been breached. Bring it: Gov. JB Pritzker waved off the announcement as 'grandstanding.' 'I welcome the FBI coming to the state. I hope they take in the State Fair. I hope they go see the beauty of Lake Michigan,' the governor said during a break from kicking off the Illinois State Fair. 'The adventure awaits for all of them. But they won't be arresting anyone.' On Illinois doing another remap, Pritzker said, 'We're going to think about all the options,' via Capitol News Illinois' Peter Hancock. Congressman Quigley's take: 'Look, in an ideal world, these maps are drawn by nonpartisan commissions, and they represent what the Constitution said we should do,' he said at The Hideout. 'We're not there yet. ... So you can't be a Boy Scout in a situation like this — you have to be as tough as they are,' via POLITICO. At issue is Texas Republicans fuming that they can't pass gerrymandered maps because they don't have a quorum in their legislature — with as many as 50 Democrats from the Austin statehouse in Illinois. — Rahm Emanuel's take: 'The idea that because you're scared of an election result, you rewrite the rules midway in the game. [That's] not redistricting. Now I happen to think we should be focused on reducing the cost of living. They want to focus on redistricting,' the former mayor and ambassador tells conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in an extended interview. RELATED 'It's high season for hypocrisy': the godfather of the Indiana GOP slams Trump's redistricting push, by POLITICO's Adam Wren and Cheyanne M. Daniels If you are Kash Patel, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events. WHERE's BRANDON At Olive Harvey College for the Christmas in the Wards Back to School Giveaway. Where's Toni No official public events. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — State Rep. Amy Grant of Wheaton to step aside after current term: She acknowledged that 'being in the minority in Springfield is tough' and serving in a 'super minority is even tougher… The silver lining being that you are forced to work harder, be more thoughtful and make more friends with colleagues on the other side. It also means staying motivated, no matter what. I've done that,' by the Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith. — He's in: Bob Fioretti is running for Illinois attorney general on the Republican ticket. He'll be featured next week at Republican Day at the state fair. — In IL-01: Joely Faren King is primarying Democratic Congressman Jonathan Jackson. King, who compares herself to New York Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani, says she's running 'because I don't think Democrats are meeting the moment.' Here's her introduction video. — Party politics: State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat in the 54th District, is running for reelection and for Wheeling Township Democratic Committee seat. 'I'm running for Committeeperson because our local Democratic Party should be a hub of energy and action,' Canty said in announcing her campaign. 'We need to engage Democrats year-round, connect more deeply with our neighbors, and support the next generation of candidates for local office.' — State House race: Jenny Levin, a trauma nurse specialist from Palatine, has launched her campaign for the Illinois House in the 51st District. 'I've seen so many sides of the healthcare system, both as a professional and through my own and my families' experiences,' Levin, a Democrat, said in a statement. 'Problems existed long before Covid drew attention to them. Some improvements have been made, but there is more work to do.' — Elizabeth Granato, a Democrat running for Cook County commissioner, picked up several new endorsements, including Operators Local 150, 38th Ward Democrats and Chicago Ald. Sam Nugent. Full list is here. THE STATEWIDES — Secret DEA lab examines cocaine surging into Illinois and surrounding states, by the Sun-Times' Frank Main — Angry with DHS, protesters disrupt job fair at Congress Plaza Hotel, by the Tribune's Sophie Levenson — Illinois faces looming health crisis as Medicaid cuts threaten coverage, hospitals and rural access, by WTTW's Jared Rutecki — Springfield City Council set to approve third round of cannabis grants, by Illinois Times' Dean Olsen CHICAGO — Chicago River Swim returns for the first time in nearly a century, by Block Club's Jake Cox. — Founders of Chicago's premier AIDS unit gleam over decades of progress, as Trump cripples research, by the Sun-Times' Mary Norkol — All Chicago police misconduct cases could be heard in secret if court sides with union, by the Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry and Tom Schuba — Concerns swirl about potential closure of Weiss hospital, which will lose Medicare funding this weekend, by the Tribune's Lisa Schencker and Katherine Weaver TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES — Union Pacific to launch faster service linking California's Inland Empire with Chicago, by Trains Magazine's Bill Stephens Reader Digest We asked about the most underrated amendment in the Constitution. Brent Pruim: 'The Third Amendment (Restrictions on Housing Soldiers). I don't need to be an airbnb just because King George had trust issues.' Charles Keller: 'The Second Amendment (Right to Bear Arms). Without it, you couldn't defend the Constitution, and we would have been a communist state long ago.' Bob Kieckhefer: 'I'll be very disappointed if your audience does not overwhelmingly select the First Amendment (Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition).' Kathy Posner: 'The Ninth Amendment (Unenumerated Rights), which limits government power. It serves as a reminder that the federal government is one of limited powers, and the people retain all powers and rights not specifically delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states.' Timothy Thomas: 'The 17th Amendment (Direct Election of U.S. Senators by the People) gets little fanfare, but it should because it puts power in the hands of the people directly (ostensibly anyway) instead of the legislature.' NEXT QUESTION: If you could redesign how Congress works, what's one thing you'd change? THE NATIONAL TAKE — MAGA world swallows a difficult truth: Arresting Trump's opponents is easier said than done, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney — Epstein victims speak out: This 'smacks of a cover up,' by POLITICO's Erica Orden — Trump's trade onslaught escalates as global tariffs kick in, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers, Doug Palmer and Ari Hawkins TRANSITIONS — JUST TO CLARIFY: Elizabeth C. Babcock is now president and CEO of the Adler Planetarium. We misidentified her new gig yesterday. — Lynne Turner, CSO harpist since 1962, retires from the orchestra, Hannah Edgar writes in the Tribune. — Andy Masur will be the WGN Radio sports anchor on the Bob Sirott weekday show starting Aug. 28. Dave Eanet, the current sports anchor, is retiring after more than 30 years at the station. — Jeffrey Charkow, has joined Duane Morris LLP's Chicago office as a partner in the firm's Trial Practice Group. Charkow, a construction attorney, was a partner at Harris Winick Harris LLP. EVENTS — Aug. 19: 'Why Fair Maps Matter' is the discussion of Lincoln Forum event featuring former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, former Democratic Party General Counsel Michael Dorf and former Illinois State Board of Elections Chair Bill Cadigan. Details here. — Oct. 3 and 4: The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch is titled 'Endgame: Relentless Power.' Details here. TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that Aledo, Ill., was originally named after Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando De Soto. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the first Illinois-born person to have a U.S. Naval ship named after them? Email to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Cook County Circuit Court Judge Marian Perkins, election attorney Michael Dorf, Chicago Public Library Foundation President Brenda Langstraat Bui, attorney Antonio Romanucci, Alpha Epsilon Pi Marketing Director Zachary Pellish, former Cubs Assistant GM Craig Breslow and Chicago Fire Department's Survive Alive House Foundation board member AmySue Mertens Saturday: Former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Chicago Architecture Biennial Co-Chair Nora Daley, Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Greg Ahern, Dezenhall Resources Senior VP Fred Brown and activist and former mayoral candidate Ja'Mal Green Sunday: Former state Sen. Jim DeLeo, 42nd Ward Director of Development Joanna Angarone, Cook County Clerk HR Specialist Kara Highfill, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives President David Doig and essayist Elaine Soloway -30-
Politico
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Danny Davis is making news
Good Thursday morning, Illinois. July sure flew by. Illinois Playbook at the Hideout on Aug. 7 features Congressman Mike Quigley. Details here TOP TALKER END OF AN ERA: After more than four decades as a fixture in Illinois politics, Congressman Danny Davis is expected to announce today that he won't seek reelection in 2026 to his 7th District seat. More from the home page. Talk about longevity: At 83, Davis is one of the most senior members of the House, both in age and tenure. His expected retirement marks not only the close of a storied chapter but the beginning of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race for his seat — which Davis has held since 1997. Before that he served on the Cook County Board and the Chicago City Council. Davis is a progressive with deep roots in Chicago's Black political tradition. He's known for an unwavering focus on Civil Rights issues, affordable housing, health equity and reentry reform for former prisoners — as well as that resonant voice. At a press conference this morning, Davis is also expected to endorse state Rep. La Shawn Ford, an ally who's already jumped in the race. SCOOP: City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is jumping in, too. She's out today with an announcement video that strikes a populist tone: 'Those landlords? They're going to pay to fix those properties.' Watch it here Others in the race: Attorney and former Davis chief of staff Richard Boykin, entrepreneur Jason Friedman and Marine-turned-comedian John McCombs. Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability President Anthony Driver Jr. is expected to jump in too. And others are mulling a bid. More from the Tribune and the Sun-Times. THE BUZZ SCOOP: State Rep. Nabeela Syed, a two-term Democrat who upset a Republican in her first political campaign in 2022, hopes to do the same thing in 2026 as she runs for state Senate. High-stakes: The 26-year-old Syed is challenging Republican state Sen. Darby Hills, who was just appointed to the seat after Dan McConchie resigned to lead a nonprofit advocacy group. The race is shaping up to be among the most contested legislative races in November. The seat has been held by Republicans for years, including by McConchie, the former Senate minority leader. Why she's running: 'This community isn't just where I work,' Syed said in an interview. 'It's home. I got into politics because I wanted to bring better representation to my community and since then I've worked really hard to be present and accountable to the people,' she said, adding she wants to bring that same energy and vision to the state Senate. Syed is one of the youngest members in the General Assembly, winning her House seat in 2022 by knocking on doors. She eked out a 6-point win in a swingy northwest suburban district. Two years later, she doubled that margin. The district spans both her own House district (the 51st) and that of Republican state Rep. Marty McLaughlin (52nd), who narrowly won re-election in 2024. Since there's no other Democrat expected in the race, Syed is focusing on the November contest. The district is primed for change, says Syed. She says voters she's talked to aren't concerned about party affiliation but about 'my dedication to advocating for policies that would help them. And that's what I've been doing in the General Assembly and plan to communicate that to folks across the 26th District.' WHERE'S JB At Chute Middle School in Evanston at 1 p.m. to sign legislation to implement universal mental health screenings in Illinois schools — At Bridgeport Art Center at 6 p.m. to accept the Champion for Families Award from One Family Illinois, which recognizes 'the state's efforts supporting the well-being of youth.' WHERE's BRANDON At the Hyatt Regency Chicago at 7 p.m. for the National Bar Association's gala. Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Democratic governors have a fix for the party: Themselves: The governors are 'fond of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as well as Kentucky's Andy Beshear, if somewhat more skeptical either can claim a nomination and general election. Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer is well-liked, especially among the other women governors, but there are doubts she'll run for president. And former Rhode Island Governor-turned-Commerce-Secretary Gina Raimondo has her admirers. They're less enamored with California's Gavin Newsom, to put it mildly,' by POLITICO's Jonathan 'JMart' Martin. — In IL-09: Bruce Leon made it official Wednesday. He's running for Congress in the 9th District to fill the open seat now held by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. 'I'm running because I believe the people of the 9th District deserve leadership that bridges divides rather than deepens them,' Leon said in a statement. 'Our challenges demand practical solutions — not rigid ideology.' Leon is an entrepreneur who is self-funding his campaign. He also serves as Democratic committeeman in the 50th Ward. — In IL-09: State Sen. Mike Simmons is out with his first round of endorsements in his bid for the open congressional seat. Among those backing him are Chicago Ald. Maria Hadden, former Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris and state Sen. Rachel Ventura. Here's the full list -— In IL-09: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has been endorsed by the Iron Workers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity in his bid for the congressional seat. — In IL-02: Robert Peters has been endorsed by The People's Lobby, known for its field organizing efforts. — In IL-02: Yumeka Brown is out with an updated endorsement list in her bid for Congress in the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who is running for Senate next year. Country Club Hills Mayor James Ford and Sauk Village Mayor Marva Campbell Pruitt are among those backing Brown, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Here's the list — Cook County board race: Elizabeth Granato has been endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) in her bid for the Cook County board. 'On the County Board, voters can trust her to make sure nobody is left behind, that wealthy corporations pay their fair share, and the MAGA agenda is stopped dead in its tracks,' Schakowsky said in a statement. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. THE STATEWIDES — OPINION: Pritzker, Welch and Harmon: Homeowners deserve transparency from State Farm, not unexplained rate hikes: 'At a time when the cost of living — particularly housing — is increasingly onerous for families across our state, State Farm's move requires careful scrutiny and full transparency,' write the top Democratic leaders in the Tribune. — Illinois Secretary of State launches campaign to end 'unfair and discriminatory' car insurance rate practices, by WTTW's Eunice Alpasan — OPINION: Trump's cuts costing Black women their jobs, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Women Employed CEO Cherita Ellens write in the Tribune CHICAGO — CHICAGO JOE: Former President Joe Biden will be in town tonight speaking at the National Bar Association's Centennial Convention. National Playbook has a take about how his life has quieted down. — Acting CTA chief makes her case for keeping the permanent job: 'Unlike her predecessor, who seldom if ever rode the system he was tasked with leading, interim CTA President Nora Leerhsen told a Council Transportation Committee on Wednesday she has taken more than 450 rides on the CTA over the last year,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Federal funding for gun violence prevention axed by Trump administration — including grants to Chicago, by Reuters' Bianca Flowers — Chinatown residents question benefits of planned Chicago Fire stadium, by the Sun-Times' Kade Heather COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Northwestern's new Ryan Field is taking shape nicely, but will football Saturdays live up to the hype? by the Sun-Times' Steve Greenberg — Arlington Park 40 years ago: Racetrack's regulars recall devastating blaze, by the Daily Herald's Christopher Placek ILLINOIS' POPE — Pope Leo gets surprise Chicago pizza delivery while riding through Saint Peter's Square, via USA Today TAKING NAMES — Melissa Winter, who was Michelle Obama's first hire on the campaign trail and has been with her ever since, is taking on a new role with the Obama Foundation. Read our homepage story here. — Abdon Pallasch and Bob Herguth won 1st and 2nd place in the Green Eyeshade contest — the awards for Southern journalism — for their podcast The Rebel Kind about a Chicago trucker-turned-spy who helped save the Irish peace process. Pallasch is a former Sun-Times reporter who is now the director of communications for Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Herguth writes for the Sun-Times. Reader Digest We asked about wild things you've seen in virtual meetings. Robert Barry: 'Someone dialed in on their cell phone — not realizing the video was on and we could see and hear them at a restaurant having breakfast with a full view of the dining room.' Ed Epstein: 'A cat sitting contentedly on a coworker's head.' Mark Fowler, executive director of the Northwest Municipal Conference: 'We were on a Zoom with over 50 mayors in the region and were interrupted by someone ordering two chicken dinners from a drive-thru.' Raymond Sendejas: 'During the height of Covid, my wife, Erika Poethig, was working for the White House and in a big Zoom meeting was when our then 7-year-old son chose to go full Spider-Man and climb the wall behind her in full view of everyone on the call. People still ask her about it!' Scott Simon: 'One of our producers had to duck away from the screen to get something, leaving their cat onscreen to nod sagely at everything we said.' NEXT QUESTION: What's a wild moment you've had getting signatures for candidate petitions? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were among Democrats voting to block arms sales to Israel. More via POLITICO — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) led a group of more than 30 House Democrats demanding answers from Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano about concerns from constituents who are 'struggling to access benefits,' according to their letter. The lawmakers urged Bisignano to take steps to improve customer service by rolling back the Trump administration's cuts and changes to Social Security Administration. — Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) is featured in the One Decision podcast calling Tulsi Gabbard a 'certified idiot,' adding that her appointment to head National Security 'is far beyond the pale.' Listen here THE NATIONAL TAKE — Kamala Harris won't run for California governor, by POLITICO's Melanie Mason — 47 things Trump would rather talk about than Jeffrey Epstein, via POLITICO — Winklevoss brothers pressed Trump to dump pick for top Wall Street regulator, by POLITICO's Declan Harty and Sophia Cai EVENTS — Aug. 6: The Young Democrats of Chicago hold their summer social organized by Democratic Committee members Paul Rosenfeld and Lucy Moog of the 47th and 43rd wards, respectively. Details here — Aug. 20: State Rep. Kelly Cassidy's summer fundraiser will feature Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Mary Kay Minaghan and Ed Mazur for correctly answering that Ralph Metcalfe was the Olympic gold medalist who went on to serve in the Chicago City Council and U.S. House. Metcalfe, a sprinter, won his gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics in the 4x100 relay. TODAY's QUESTION: Who did the Chicago Cubs trade to get Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former House GOP leader Tom Cross, Former state Rep. Mary Flowers, former state Rep. Helene Miller-Walsh, Edwardsville Township Supervisor Kevin Hall, Chicago Mayor's Political Director Christian Perry, First Assistant Deputy Gov. for Budget Amanda Elliott, Sen. Dick Durbin's Legislative Director James Floyd, real estate attorney Langdon Neal, ADL Midwest Chief of Staff David Goldenberg, U.N. Foundation Senior Director of Advocacy Micah Spangler and Public Communications Inc.'s Katie Heinz. -30-
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle endorses state Sen. Robert Peters for Congress
Cook County Democrats last week declined to pick official favorites in the crowded primary fields ahead of next year's congressional primaries, but the party's chair is backing a protégé in the race to replace U.S. Rep Robin Kelly in the district that stretches from the South Side to central Illinois. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Monday announced her support for state Sen. Robert Peters, a South Side progressive, in the March Democratic primary to replace Kelly, who is forgoing a reelection bid for the 2nd Congressional District seat to run for the U.S. Senate. Peters worked as an activist on economic and criminal justice issues with both Preckwinkle and another of her protégés, former Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. Preckwinkle also backed Peters for an appointment to the Illinois Senate in 2019 to replace Kwame Raoul after Raoul's was elected the state's attorney general. Preckwinkle's endorsement comes as the potential entry of former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. into the race could dramatically alter the landscape in the 2nd Congressional District primary. Preckwinkle described Peters in a statement Monday as one of her 'most trusted partners in the state legislature.' 'There is no stronger advocate for working people, for social justice and for economic fairness than Robert,' Preckwinkle said. 'I've watched him grow from a hard working young organizer, to an accomplished state legislator. All the while, he's never shied away from the tough conversations necessary to build the coalitions needed to win difficult fights.' Peters acknowledged the four-term County Board president as 'a mentor for me throughout my time in organizing and in public service.' 'I know she will continue to be a trusted ally and coach as I campaign all throughout the 2nd District, and as I take on the big fights in Congress, like fighting cuts to Medicaid, (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and the (Department of Veterans Affairs),' Peters said in a statement. Peters, who already has a big-name endorsement from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, has an early fundraising advantage over six other Democrats who've officially declared their candidacies, a group that doesn't include Jackson. From entering the race in mid-May through the end of June, Peters raised more than $415,000, and he entered July with nearly $375,000 in his campaign account, Federal Election Commission records show. That's more than all the other candidates combined, though two of them, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller of Lynwood and state Sen. Willie Preston of Chicago, entered the race after the end of the previous reporting period. After forming an exploratory committee, Jackson told the Tribune last week that it's his 'intention to secure a place on the ballot' in the primary for his former seat in Congress. Jackson resigned in 2012 amid a corruption probe and later went to federal prison for conspiring to defraud his reelection campaign of about $750,000 that was used to pay for personal expenses such as home renovations, two mounted elk heads and high-end merchandise, including mink clothes and a Michael Jackson autographed guitar. Jackson's family has rallied behind Preckwinkle in the past. When she was overwhelmingly defeated in her 2019 bid for mayor, Jackson's father, civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson, hosted her and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot at his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and told those in attendance not to abandon Preckwinkle in her moment of defeat. He enjoined the crowd to repeat after him: 'Toni is the president of the Cook County Board and of all Democrats. We shall fight to maintain her gain.' The 2nd Congressional District stretches south along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Indiana border from 43rd Street in Chicago to Danville. Major party candidates for the March 17 primaries can begin collecting petition signatures on Aug. 5 to get their names on the ballot.
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Toni Preckwinkle picks new Cook County Forest Preserves boss
After a year and a half without a permanent leader, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has nominated a new head for the county's Forest Preserves. On Wednesday, she named Adam Bianchi as her pick to become the district's new superintendent. Her choice will face a vote from the Forest Preserves board — which has the same members as the Cook County board — next week. If approved, Bianchi would fill the shoes left by longtime Forest Preserve Superintendent Arnold Randall, who had run the district for 13 years and left to lead the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Bianchi comes from Colorado, where he served as District Ranger for the White River National Forest's Dillon Ranger District an hour west of Denver. There, he managed 312,000 acres of trails, wilderness areas, two major reservoirs, 14 campgrounds, and four ski resorts, including Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, according to a county release. Cook County's Forest Preserves — one of the oldest and biggest in the country — include 70,000 acres of campgrounds, trails, boating centers, picnic groves and golf courses. 'This marks an exciting opportunity in my career dedicated to conserving forests, wildlife habitats and wetlands, while expanding access and welcoming more people to connect with their incredible public lands,' Bianchi said in the release. He has worked for the USDA's forest service for his entire career, according to his LinkedIn. This would be his first time working in the Midwest since 2016, when he was a district silviculturist for the Ottawa National Forest in Kenton, Mich., helping control and manage the growth of the forest. 'Over the last 15 years, the Forest Preserves has transformed as an institution, becoming a leader in ecological restoration in a highly developed landscape, in connecting a diverse population to the wonders of nature, and in operations and transparency,' Preckwinkle said in the same release. 'Adam Bianchi's experience, energy and perspective are an outstanding fit as General Superintendent for the next chapter of the Preserves.' Asked at an unrelated press conference why it took so long to fill Randall's vacancy, Preckwinkle said the county's search priority was replacing Israel Rocha, who exited the county's health and hospitals system around the same time as Randall. After a year, the county chose Dr. Erik Mikaitis — who had already been serving as interim CEO — to fill Rocha's role. If confirmed, Bianchi would inherit a healthier budget than his predecessors, thanks to a voter-authorized property tax hike that's allowed the district to spend more on conservation efforts, buying new land, maintaining the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden, and paying down pension debts.
Chicago Tribune
24-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Air Force veteran's Park Forest home gets thousands in repairs through Cook County program
Mark Kellogg and his wife, Keisha, were looking at taking out a hefty home equity line of credit to pay for thousands of dollars in repairs at their Park Forest home. But the U.S. Air Force veteran didn't have to pay a dime for $30,000 worth of work, completed this spring through a Cook County program that repaired homes of 30 military veterans, including homes in other south suburbs. At a news conference outside Kellogg's home Tuesday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the program was meant to make veterans' homes 'more accessible, safer and more secure.' 'Our veterans have given us so much,' she said. Launched in 2023, the Veterans Home Repair Program tapped $1.25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Along with Kellogg's home, the county program repaired the homes of veterans in Chicago, Blue Island, Calumet City, Dolton, Homewood, Lansing, Matteson and Richton Park. Interior and exterior work was done on all of the homes, with costs ranging from $15,000 to $45,000, according to the county. At Kellogg's home, work included new gutters, a new furnace and water heater, repainting six rooms and replacing a concrete patio in the backyard. 'When we bought the house we didn't know rain pooled against the back of it,' he said. The county program replaced the concrete patio and regraded the soil underneath so that storm runoff is directed into drains in the backyard. Kellogg said fixing that problem alone would have cost him $16,000. 'I am extremely greatful I was chosen to participate,' Kellogg said. He said he and his wife have lived in the home since 2010. Kellogg was in the Air Force from spring 1988 to winter 1992. He is commander of the American Legion post in Park Forest and works for the village's Public Works Department. He grew up in Harvey and has six siblings, and his family moved to Park Forest during his senior year of high school. After graduating from the since-closed Rich East High School in 1987, he joined the Air Force. Kellogg said he comes from a military family and that his father and a younger brother both served in the Air Force, and other relatives, including a grandfather, uncle and cousins, were in other branches of the military. He said he applied online last December for the county program and was told in March he'd been selected. All of the work was done by the end of April, he said. The 56-year-old Kellogg and his wife have been married 22 years and have three daughters. The county worked with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, which relies on volunteers to repair homes and other buildings in the Chicago area. Since 1991, the organization has repaired 1,900 homes and 285 facilities operated by nonprofits, according to its website. Wanda Ramirez, Rebuilding Together's president and chief executive, said there are a 'growing number of homeowners who cannot afford to make repairs' needed for them to stay in their homes. Without the financial resources needed, Ramirez said the many veterans 'may have to live in substandard housing.'
