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Gutierrez endorses “good friend and brother” Berrios

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Illinois

* What a weird year…

Today, 4th Congressional District Congressman Luis Gutierrez announced his endorsement of Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios re-election bid.

“I’m proud to call Joe Berrios a good friend and brother. I have known him to be an honest public servant, who has dedicated his career to fighting for the interests of working families. He continues to work to fix the broken system he inherited by making it more equitable and fair for Cook County residents and seniors,” said Congressman Gutierrez.

“Like Bruce Rauner, Joe’s opponent Fritz Kaegi is a Wall Street Republican who has dedicated his career to profiting off the backs of working families. As an immigrant rights advocate, I find his firm’s association with the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) extremely troubling. CCA is a private prison operator that lobbied for legislation increasing incarcerations in the U.S. that unfairly target African Americans, Latinos, and undocumented immigrants. They have been at the forefront drafting anti-immigrant legislation such as, Arizona’s racial profiling law that has incarcerated many of our African American and Latino sisters and brothers. Fritz cannot be trusted to advocate for our families.”

“I’m very proud and honored to receive my good friend Congressman Gutierrez’s endorsement, who has been a champion for Latinos and immigrants. Serving as Cook County Assessor has been one of the greatest honors in my career. Owning a home in Humboldt Park was my parent’s dream and I want to make sure that I help every Cook County resident achieve that dream. I look forward to continuing to represent Cook County’s working families to make sure that our property tax appeal system is equitable and transparent for all homeowners,” said Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios.

Assessor Berrios has taken charge and focused on improving the assessment system he inherited by making it fair and equitable for every Cook County resident. He has increased the number of outreach events held across the county, made appeals easier, and successfully pushed for an increase in the homeowners and senior exemptions which will put more money back in the hands of homeowners statewide. The Civic Consulting Alliance is currently reviewing the County’s property assessment system, and Assessor Berrios plans to implement whatever changes and improvements are recommended to make the system even better.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 9:36 am

Comments

I smell a deal…

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 9:44 am
“I have known him to be an honest public servant…”

In a year of amazing political whoppers, this late entry will be a very strong medal contender.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 9:45 am
The broken system that Berrios inherited was designed by the Democrats in the 1930s and has never not been administered by the Democrats. Berrios has had two terms to make reforms, but it has always been business as usual for him. Arguably, the rigged system has worsened under his regime. Berrios is a product of the corrupt 31st Ward. All of his political sponsors and mentors have been imprisoned. He ought be added to the list.

Comment by Holy Smokes! Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 9:47 am
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. (Arroyo, Luis.)

Comment by Conn Smythe Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 9:54 am
Berrios. Sigh.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 10:08 am
I’m all for “Cheerio, Berrio”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 10:27 am
Gutsy endorsement. If I remember Gutierrez had a tax bill on his home of less taxes Han 300 dollars for years before anyone realized that a ‘mistake’ had been made

Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 10:35 am
Part of what’s going on here is that, since Anita Alvarez lost last year, if Berrios loses, there will be no Latino countywide elected officials.

Comment by Grand Avenue Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 10:36 am
Sometimes I think I will pass out from all the toxic gas coming from the political windbags in Illinois and especially Cook County. Tell me again why anyone should have any confidence in the integrity of these people.

Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 10:39 am
yep, only county wide elected Latino. things are going to get more wild after 2020.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 11:55 am
Ok, now I can vote for Berrios again.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 1:08 pm
@Du Page Saint:

Guitierrez was being billed for a vacant lot long after he developed a property and added a building to it. The Assessor’s office said it was an internal error and the Congressman was not obliged to pay anything more until the assessment was corrected during the next cycle.

Comment by For What Its Worth Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 2:46 pm
What? Man, this is stinky.

Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 4:03 pm
==“I’m proud to call Joe Berrios a good friend and brother===

There’s two. Anyone need a third reason not to vote for him? /s

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Dec 13, 17 @ 4:12 pm