About Mike

Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley is a leader in the fight for lower taxes, improved services, better forest preserves and more efficient, innovative government. Representing the 10th district, Mike Quigley brings a fresh perspective to the Board of Commissioners and is an outspoken voice for changing "business as usual" in Cook County.

Mike is creating and protecting open spaces at the Cook County Forest Preserves by promoting a progressive, conservation-oriented approach.

He has changed the tax and spend culture of Cook County by being the first Democratic Commissioner to oppose tax increases and argue for more efficient government. He led the successful fight to stop the sales tax and lease tax in 2004 and the hotel and restaurant tax in 2005.

In an effort to further help Cook County taxpayers, Mike drafted "Reinventing Government," (part I and part II) a two-volume report that offers a detailed strategy to streamline the County and eliminate waste. In addition, Mike has written four other reports which make recommendations for more land acquisition by the Forest Preserve District, and additional efficiencies for the Sheriff's office and other County Departments.

Mike's independence and innovation has captured the attention of Chicago leaders and opinion makers. The late Steve Neal, political columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, called Mike "an outspoken advocate for change and one of the brightest people on the political scene." The Chicago Tribune called Quigley's "Reinventing Government" "excellent reports on ways to reform county government and end its chronically spendthrift ways."

Commissioner Quigley earned a Law Degree from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. He is an adjunct professor of political science at Loyola University, lecturing on politics and the environment, and local government.