Cook County State's Attorney Candidate: Bob Fioretti

CHICAGO — Democrat Bob Fioretti is running for Cook County state's attorney. On the ballot, you will be able to vote for one of four candidates: Firoetti, incumbent Kim Foxx and other challengers Donna More and Bill Conway.

You can find Fioretti's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Bob Fioretti, running for Cook County State's Attorney:

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Town/City of Residence

Chicago

Office Sought

State's Attorney

Party Affiliation

Democratic Party

Family

Wife Nicole Pecori Fioretti

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Wife works for Illinois Housing Development Authority

Education

University of Illinois-Champaign (BA) Northern Illinois University (JD)

Occupation

Civil rights attorney for thirty five years

Campaign website

www.bobforstatesattorney.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

2nd Ward Alderman (two terms) 2nd Ward Democratic Committeeman (two terms)

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Keeping violent criminals behind bars while awaiting trial. Restoring trust and dignity to the office.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have government, political AND private sector experience and a proven record of independence and integrity during my time in office.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Kim Foxx botched the Jussie Smollett case by lying to the public, allowing important people to influence her decision and treating a celebrity differently than everyone else. Sadly this is the tip of the iceberg. She also has gone too far by allowing violent criminals to roam the streets in search of their next victim before trial.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I would advocate for a crime lab for the many Chicago metropolitan area law enforcement agencies. The state police lab does a great job but there is always a long backlog which delays justice. I have asked the Illinois Supreme Court to convene a summit of all stakeholders in the criminal justice system to reach the proper balance between protecting the residents of Cook County and ensuring defendants accused of non-violent crimes don't languish in jail for months or years because they can't afford low bail.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have vast legal experience including being appointed Special Illinois Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant State's Attorney in three different counties. I began my career working as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. As Alderman, I treated every resident of my ward equally no matter what they looked like, what zip code they were from or whom they loved. I would do the same as State's Attorney.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Ending the war on law enforcement the current state's attorney is engaging in. Changing the culture to keep violent criminals who are a danger to society in jail while awaiting trial. Making public safety the top priority in the State's Attorney's office rather than ideology.

Why should voters trust you?

My record as Alderman showed that I answer to no one except those who elect me Several studies showed I was the most independent alderman in my two terms in the City Council.. No phone calls from Very Important People, no campaign contribution and no corrupt political boss will dictate a single decision I make. I will conduct myself as State's Attorney in the same manner I did as Alderman.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

As alderman, I voted 'no' on six of eight city bloated city budgets. I would scrutinize this office's budget in the same manner. One of the perks of reforming the criminal justice system, with fewer prosecutions was supposed to be the money saved. Sadly, this has not occurred. Despite thousands of fewer prosecutions for drug possession and shoplifting, the office's budget has gone up, not down.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am proud of my progressive record and history. Co-founder of the Progressive Caucus in the City Council, early supporter of same sex marriage, $15 minimum wage, elected school board, strong supporter of women's reproductive rights, and the most vocal opponent of mass closings of schools and mental health clinics. All my adult life I have been a voice for the voiceless and stood for those ignored, bypassed or steamrolled by society. But being progressive does not mean coddling violent criminals. A State's Attorney's first priority should be to keep the public safe and leave ideology at the door.