Considerable investor interest credited to fiscal responsibility and strong management 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that a bond refinancing priced this week will garner $56.6 million in reduced interest cost savings over the next 15 years when measured in today’s dollars. 

A package of Home Rule Tax Ordinance reforms aimed at providing individuals and businesses with a simplified process while improving the efficiency of the Cook County Department of Revenue (CCDOR) were approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.

Supported by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, these nine ordinance amendments clarify existing law, promote fair and equitable enforcement, strengthen compliance efforts and increase convenience for taxpayers. The proposed amendment changes will not result in any increased tax rates.

Cook County will redesign and reconstruct the Rosemont Transit Center, a facility located on Cook County property and used primarily by Pace buses that also serves “kiss-and-ride” transit passengers, taxis, private shuttles and rideshare service providers.

The Cook County Board Wednesday approved an intergovernmental agreement to expand the transit center. The rehabilitated transit center will provide for an increase in public transportation demands due to the inauguration of express Pace bus service on the reconstructed Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.

The proposal that the Chief Judge appoint the Clerk of the Circuit Court was initiated by Commissioner Silvestri, and not by my office. I was not informed in advance of Commissioner Silvestri’s intention to introduce this resolution. I am neither endorsing nor promoting it, and I met with and informed Circuit Court Clerk Brown of my position. The resolution will go to a Board committee for discussion and, in any case, this is not a change the County Board could implement on its own, but rather would need approval from the state Legislature.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced that she is filling critical vacancies in the President’s office as well as naming a new Chief Information Officer as she continues to recruit top talent to key posts in County Government.

“I am thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to Cook County government, and I am confident that their experience and commitment to public service will greatly aid us as we work to make Cook County the best run County in the nation,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Cook County’s Department of Budget and Management Services has been recognized for meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting, President Preckwinkle announced today.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the creation of a Council of Economic Advisors, a group of more than 20 distinguished business and civic leaders from across the region who will advise Cook County on how to promote long-term economic growth within Cook County as well as the larger economic region. The Council will be co-chaired by John W. Rogers, Chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments and William A. Osborn, retired Chairman of the Northern Trust Corporation.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle held a public preliminary budget hearing on Wednesday night.  Attended by President Preckwinkle, Commissioner Daley, and County department heads, the public hearing gave citizens the opportunity to voice questions, suggestions, and concerns regarding the proposed 2013 budget.

I send my condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Cook County Sheriff's Office Correctional Officer Nikkii Bostic-Jones, who was killed by a hit and run driver last night while heading to her shift at the Cook County Jail.  The tragedy of Bostic-Jones' death is magnified by the fact that the driver who struck her didn't stop, and has not come forward to accept responsibility for their actions.  We urge anyone with information, or who was in the area at the time, to please come forward and assist the sheriff's office in their investig