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Deb White is running for Cook County Commissioner in District 1, a position now held by Robert Svaleson who decided he didn’t want to run again after serving one term. Deb is running against Yastrianne ‘Yanne’ Spry. The Cook County News-Herald asked White for her views on a few subjects that will. Affect county residents. Below are her answers.
Q- Please tell us a little about yourself.
A- Who am I?
Cook County is my chosen home. Our family moved here more than forty years ago. Our two children graduated from Cook County High School. Three of my grandchildren are attending Sawtooth Mountain Elementary. I have been a parent volunteer in the school, a Hedstrom Lumber company bag lady, a sled dog kennel co-owner — working with Wilderness Inquiry to provide an outdoor recreation experience for both able-bodied and disabled participants. I am also a partner in a custom home construction business (Arktikos Custom Builders).
I am a Blandin Community Leadership program alumna and have held positions (Community Education & KIDS Plus) that required collaboration with other community members to develop programming and to problem solve. For eight years I worked with the students from Grand Portage under the supervision of GP Education department. I have been on the ISD #166 school board for twelve years.
Q- Cook County Public Health and Human Services needs more space for its staff. Would you vote to build them PHHS a new building, add onto the current courthouse, or seek to have some employees work from home as they have done during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A- Before building any new spaces is considered, I would like to examine the number employees in public health and human services. Has there been a review of the department’s staff. Why has the department grown so significantly over the years? Is there duplication of responsibilities? How many positions are fulfilling state mandated services? What are the job responsibilities? Do all licensed positions have the required certification? Are services rendered effective? What is the process for assessing job performance? Should more office space be needed, I would prefer reconfiguring existing spaces to accommodate the department.
Q- The Law Enforcement Center is also short on space and needs more room. Would you vote to expand the building to make more space for its employees?
A- I do not know enough about the situation at the Law Enforcement Center but recognize the need for adequate spaces for personnel to efficiently and effectively perform their duties. Law enforcement provides for the safety of all county residents.
Q- The county owns quite a few properties and buildings it can’t properly maintain due to lack of staff and finances. Would you be in favor of selling or donating some of these to townships or individuals?
A- Since we just had a thorough inventory and assessment of county owned properties done by an outside consultant, we can go forward with budgeting for future maintenance, but also can consider the viability of using existing spaces to accommodate staffing needs for the different departments.
Q- Should Cook County place a limit on Airbnbs?
A- The county board recently received a report from the Vacation Rental Committee and is reviewing their suggestions to make changes to the county ordinance. One thing that is clear from the report is that there will need to be more oversight of these rentals and enforcement of any ordinance requirements.
Q- A lack of affordable housing is a big issue for the county. What can the county do to help solve that? Or should this be left up to the private sector?
A-The private sector cannot solve the housing shortage alone. Because the majority of land is owned and administered by federal and state agencies, land values are very high. Affordable housing in Cook County will not be solved without assistance from government. The county has created a housing authority (HRA) and has hired a director who is meeting with the school district, the city, and private landowners to find ways to help solve this housing shortage from the county perspective.
Q- Given the time commitment and responsibility of the job, should county commissioners be paid more?
More pay for commissioners?
A- Since I have yet to be a county commissioner, I cannot speak to the time commitment required. I expect a steep learning curve. I believe that being a county commissioner is a public service and a part time job. Once I better understand what time is needed, I can answer this question.
Q- Why should someone vote for you?
A- Why me?
I am committed to Cook County. I believe county government needs to be accessible and fiscally accountable to the taxpayers. I have the leadership skills and experience to help this county meet the challenges of the future.
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