Commissioner Quigley's Accomplishments

Holding the Line on Taxes

Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley is the first Democratic Commissioner to oppose the entrenched county leadership and argue for a more efficient government. He has a strong and consistent history of opposing tax increases. The Commissioner demonstrated his opposition to new taxes when he voted against creating a parking tax. Commissioner Quigley also led a successful fight to stop the most recent tax increase proposals; the sales tax and lease tax in 2004 and the hotel and restaurant tax in 2005. The Commissioner not only opposes unnecessary tax hikes, he offers real alternatives to solving Cook County's fiscal crisis.

"Quigley, who broke ranks with his fellow Democrats and opposed the parking tax and proposed his own ideas to cut the budget, was the subject of not-so-veiled attacks during the board hearings Monday and Tuesday."

Chicago Tribune - November 22, 2000

Fiscal Responsibility

Commissioner Quigley has unveiled numerous plans to reform and streamline wasteful government. He has issued five separate reports on cost cutting measures and revenue enhancements for County and Forest Preserve District Agencies.

"A good recipe for doing just that [an overhaul of the county's entire structure] is being circulated by Michael Quigley, one of the 17 members of the Cook County Board. Over the last three years, Quigley has authored five excellent reports on ways to reform county government and end its chronically spendthrift ways."

Chicago Tribune - October 28, 2003

Commissioner Quigley is a recipient of the IVI-IPO Leon Despres Award and the Illinois Committee for Honest Government Distinguished Service Award.

Ethics Reform

Commissioner Quigley recently passed a detailed proposal to provide the Board of Ethics with the resources necessary to be effective and accountable to county government. The new law allows the Board of Ethics to penalize ethics violators by levying fines against them. This measure also requires ethics training for upper level county staffers, and allows the Board to open its own investigations.

"…I appreciate the fact that he's always investigating new approaches, that he's looking for ways to improve county government, and that he isn't afraid to speak up when he thinks something is wrong."

Chicago Tribune - March 14, 2002

Domestic Violence Courthouse

The Domestic Violence Courthouse at 13th and Michigan is unsafe and inadequate. Commissioner Quigley fought for a new, modern and safe courthouse, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2005.

"…The fact is that the issue might be even further back-burnered if County Board member Michael Quigley, who's been virtually alone on this issue, didn't keep asking county officials to explain their failure to solve such a crucial safety concern…"

Chicago Tribune - February 20, 2000

Commissioner Quigley received the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network Community Advocate Award.

Forest Preserve District - Protecting and Acquiring Land

As the open space in Cook County diminishes every year, Commissioner Quigley fights to acquire land for the Forest Preserve District and to protect its current holdings. Specifically, the Commissioner has passed several measures to protect environmentally sensitive land, such as a resolution requiring the Forest Preserve District to funnel all revenues from surplus land sales into its land acquisition fund, and a comprehensive land use ordinance re-focusing the district on the intended purpose, preserving land in its natural state. Additionally, the Commissioner issued a report calling on the county to acquire 1,190 acres of land in the Lake Calumet region.

Recently, the Commissioner introduced an amendment to the Forest Preserve District Budget requiring an analysis of employees to ensure proper staffing levels across the Forest Preserve District.

"Mike Quigley wants to put the preserve back in forest preserves."

Daily Herald - May 5, 2004

Predatory Lending

Commissioner Quigley sponsored legislation to fight predatory lending by financial institutions, bond underwriters and banks seeking county business. His amendments prohibited institutions from selling high-cost home loans with suspect terms using questionable sales techniques. The ordinance prohibits Cook County from doing business with these predatory lenders.

"Commissioner Mike Quigley has proposed amendments to the pending ordinance that would prevent the county from banking with institutions that add the fees to mortgages."

Chicago Tribune - April 7, 2001

Environment

Commissioner Quigley's notable commitment to Cook County's environment has resulted in several eco-conscious ordinances requiring the county to implement recycling plans, to buy recycled goods and to build environmentally-friendly and energy efficient buildings. In his report "The Greening of Cook County", the Commissioner identifies methods to considerably reduce waste and lessen the immense burden on our environment. This comprehensive report can also serve as a tool for other governments to develop similar environmentally conscious initiatives. The Commissioner's efforts are instrumental to securing a cleaner and greener environment for current and future Cook County residents.

"Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (10th) recently introduced the Green Building Ordinance before the Cook County Board. The ordinance requires all new county facilities to be built 'green'."

Chicago Sun-Times- January 26, 2001

Commissioner Quigley is a recipient of the Audubon Leadership Award and the Chicago Recycling Coalition Award. He also received the endorsement of the Sierra Club three times. He has been endorsed by the Sierra Club for Cook County Board President.

Human Rights

As the chairman of the Human Relations Committee, Commissioner Quigley works to protect the rights of all Cook County citizens and employees. Commissioner Quigley sponsored the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Registry Ordinances, and the Gender Identity Amendment to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance. He also collaborates with gay and lesbian community leaders to ensure that the County does not conduct business with discriminatory institutions and charities.

"He is bright, diligent and unafraid to fight when he thinks a proposal is wrong for his district or the county…"

Chicago Free Press - March 13, 2002

Commissioner Quigley received the Human Rights Campaign Equality Award and the Rainbow Award.

Minority Contracting

Recent scandals and the county board's inability to identify illegitimate members, have seriously questioned the MBE/WBE program's credibility. Commissioner Mike Quigley has called for an overhaul to the system and an independent audit targeted at eliminating this corruption. The Commissioner's proposed reforms will encourage legitimate business relationships and work towards building an acceptable MBE/WBE program that promotes women and minority business initiatives.

Health Care Initiatives

Commissioner Quigley fought on behalf of rape victims by securing funding for around-the-clock advocacy and counseling services at Stroger Hospital. The Commissioner is also responsible for expanding reproductive health services for economically disadvantaged members of the community.

Affordable Housing

Commissioner Quigley sponsored legislation to provide affordable housing county-wide.For example, by working closely with community leaders and tenants, the Commissioner saved the Rienzi Plaza apartments and preserved 20% of Lakeview's affordable housing stock in the process.

Sensible Gun Control

Commissioner Quigley sponsored the Deadly Weapons Dealer Control Ordinance which strictly controls and regulates the sale and transfer of firearms within the County.