Cory Singer began his almost 30-minute talk by explaining the role and purpose of the office he is running for: County Executive. The position is currently held by Larry Walsh, Sr., a Democrat, who has held the office for eight years. Mr. Singer discussed the role and responsibilities of the position, which as he explained it, are similar to that of "Mayor" or "President" of the county. The position has a veto power and has two primary tasks: to prepare an annual county budget and a county development plan.
He pointed out that over the last eight years, Larry Walsh has never proposed a realistic or responsible budget. Each year, the County Board, dominated by fiscal conservatives, has had to scale back and reject Mr. Walsh's regular proposal to increase county taxes. Mr. Singer pointed out that had Mr. Walsh had his way over the past eight years, county taxes would be 16% higher than they are today. Overall, were it not for the fiscal conservatives on the county board opposing Mr. Walsh's proposed tax increases, we would probably be in worse shape economically than we are now.
Mr. Singer then pointed out how Mr. Walsh has failed to deliver on his basic responsibilities as County Executive and how that is hurting Will County. For instance, the County Executive is supposed to prepare a County Development Plan. Larry Walsh has failed to prepare any plan for the county. Mr. Singer pointed out that Will County boasts one of the busiest inland ports in the country and remains one of the fastest growing counties in the US. Despite this, Will County has no economic development plan or any plan to execute the infrastructure improvements necessary to attract and keep new businesses in Will County or to manage effective growth.
Cory Singer then spoke about Larry Walsh's inaction on the issue of the proposed Peotone Airport. Mr. Singer accused Larry Walsh of standing by and doing nothing as Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. attempts to take control of the airport at the expense of Will County residents. Mr. Singer explained that Mr. Walsh, who is supposed to represent all Will County residents and look out for their interests; instead remains silent as Cook County Democrats attempt to steal Will County property and airport taxes. Taxes that would help enrich Congressman Jackson and his cronies in south Cook County. In his proposals to the FAA, Jackson wants all of the taxes from the airport to be given to and controlled by South Cook communities. Will County, under the Jackson plan, would receive nothing. Mr. Singer vowed to continue his fight against Congressman Jackson's and Mr. Walsh's plan to have Cook County control the airport.
Following his talk, Mr. Singer took questions from the audience. He was asked his position on the Peotone Airport. His answer? He isn't for or against the airport. Instead, the airport is an Illinois state project that will ultimately be decided at the state level. It will be up to Will County officials to get the best deal for Will County taxpayers. His intent is to ensure that should the airport be built, Will County is in control and not Cook county. He also took this opportunity to point out that Mr. Walsh would likely fail to accomplish this, since he has already demonstrated a lack of leadership on this issue.
Asked what he would do if elected and had the backing of a Republican County Board, Mr. Singer said he would present a budget to cut 5% from the County Budget, by cutting waste. When challenged on the realism of this approach, he remarked how he was able to do something similar when he sat on the Will County Forest Preserve District Board. While there, the District Board cut 5% of its expenses and froze employee pay raises for three years. He believes that this approach would work at the County level and would result in little noticeable change to essential services while continuing to keep taxes low.
One questioner remarked that states like California, New York and Illinois are losing jobs to states like Texas, which are more business friendly. This person then asked how Mr. Singer as County Executive would improve the business climate and attract jobs to Will County. His answer was to concentrate on making Will County business friendly and to concentrate on improving the infrastructure to foster economic growth. Here, he drew a sharp contrast to the philosophical differences between himself and his opponent. He pointed out that while private business needs new roads and bridges and a supportive government to enhance economic growth, Mr. Walsh and County Democrats want to build new government office buildings to enhance government worker comfort. Mr. Singer also remarked how he as County Executive, would take his responsibility seriously by formulating a serious growth and development plan for the county.
Overall, Cory Singer comes across as competent and passionate about Will County. He knows what he wants to do and has a definite plan. He is someone who should be listened to and who deserves the vote of every citizen who cares about the quality of life here in Will County.
