Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting – May 14, 2026

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on May 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement, roll call (Commissioners Aguilar, Anaya, Britton, Daly, Degnan, Gaynor, Laurie, McCaskill, Miller, Moore, Morris, Marita, Kevin Morrison, Sean Morrison, Scott, Stamps, Trevor, Vasquez were present; Commissioners Degnan and Stamps joined later), and public testimony. The board approved the consent calendar, honored retiring officials (CFO Tanya Anthony, Secretary Tim Casey, Chief Nursing Officer Denise Gilbert), recognized Lupus Awareness Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, ALS Awareness Month, and National Military Appreciation Month, and adopted resolutions honoring individuals and organizations.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the entire consent calendar via a motion by the Chair, seconded by Commissioner Trevor, with all members voting in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Clasklo (Executive Director, Lupus Society of Illinois) – Expressed gratitude for Lupus Awareness Month recognition, noting that 53% of Americans know little about lupus. Called for increased education and support.
• Kimberly Slight Walker (Lupus Advocate & Warrior) – Described her 30-year struggle with lupus, stating that 4,000 individuals in Cook County live with the disease. Position: strong support for awareness and research.
• Shalita Johnson (Lupus Warrior) – Shared her 26-year journey with lupus, diagnosed at age 9. Position: urged recognition of May as Lupus Awareness Month and May 10 as World Lupus Day.
• Jane Charney (Associate VP, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago) – Thanked the board for recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, highlighted the community's contributions and the rise in antisemitism. Position: support for the month and celebration of Jewish heritage.
• Zoe Lee – Criticized Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration for displacing her godfather’s business and demanded a meeting with the Mayor. Position: opposition to land-use decisions.
• Jessica Jackson – Argued that Black voters' rights are not endangered and accused commissioners of manipulating the Voting Rights Act. Cited a federal lawsuit over property theft at Cook County sales. Position: opposition to perceived misuse of voter protection rhetoric.
• Taiwan Sims (spelled T-I-W-O-N S-I-M-S) – Claimed political discrimination for lack of support from commissioners in his legal case (23D79597). Position: demanded referral to the Inspector General.
• George Blake Moore – Criticized lack of economic development in Black communities, urging Black residents to build businesses. Position: opposed focus on voting rights without economic progress.
• Rev. Sandy Norman (Pastor, CVI Advocate) – Spoke about gun violence prevention, noting he funds his own outreach. Position: critical of violence prevention programs that only “clean up” during visits.
• Jacqueline Mack (Lupus Advocate) – Shared her diagnosis of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, crediting Lupus Society of Illinois for support. Position: urged recognition of Lupus Awareness Month.
• Alex Meitner (VP, ALS Association) – Described ALS as an always fatal disease affecting 500 Cook County residents. Announced three FDA-approved drugs, including one that has shown to stop progression in a genetic subvariant. Position: asked the board to recognize ALS Awareness Month and encouraged community support.

Discussion Items

• Resolution Honoring Officer John Bartholomew (26-1515) – Commissioner Gaynor introduced a resolution honoring the life and service of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who was killed in the line of duty on April 25, 2026. The board approved a standing vote.
• Illinois Accountability Commission Report – Commissioner Vasquez recognized the commission for documenting federal law enforcement misconduct during Operation Midway Blitz. Judge Ruben Castillo spoke, noting the report documented illegal and violent conduct and called for a special prosecutor.
• Retirement of CFO Tanya Anthony (26-1427) – Commissioner Stamps led a resolution honoring Tanya Anthony for her decade of service as Budget Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and CFO. Commissioners praised her for strengthening the county's finances, guiding pandemic spending, and earning multiple credit rating upgrades. Anthony thanked the board and her team.
• Retirement of Secretary Tim Casey – Chairman Daly recognized Tim Casey’s 30 years of public service, including his role as Secretary to the Board. Casey thanked his colleagues and family, noting he is not retiring but continuing to work.
• Retirement of Chief Nursing Officer Denise Gilbert (26-1374) – Commissioner Miller honored Denise Gilbert for her leadership at the Cook County Department of Public Health, especially during COVID-19 and for establishing the doula program. Gilbert thanked the board and her team.
• Resolutions for Community Leaders – Commissioner Dagnan honored Ted Robleski for over 40 years of community service in Sheffield Neighbors. Commissioner Stamps recognized Dr. Victoria H. Stockton (Superintendent of the Year) and Dr. Pierre Johnson (“The Fibroid Slayer”) for groundbreaking fibroid surgery at Loreto Hospital.
• Proclamations and Recognitions – May was proclaimed Lupus Awareness Month (Commissioner Stamps), Jewish American Heritage Month (Commissioner Anaya), ALS Awareness Month (President Pro Tem), National Military Appreciation Month, and Monarch Month (Commissioner Vasquez). The board also observed moments of silence for Orlando Rivas (security officer killed at Buffalo Grove High School) and Dr. Mamadou Diakite (Animal and Rabies Control administrator).

Key Outcomes

• The board approved the consent calendar and all resolutions listed above by voice vote, with no recorded opposition.
• Commissioners added themselves as co-sponsors to several resolutions: Commissioner Nye to 26-1243, Commissioner Vasquez to 26-1376, and others.
• Meeting adjourned by motion of Commissioner Kevin Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Trevor, all in favor.

Notable Comments

• Commissioner Miller noted that Memorial Day honors those who died in service, distinct from Veterans Day.
• Commissioner Britton added Commissioner Stamps as a co-sponsor to a resolution by request.