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Gorman announces candidacy to return to Cook County Board

Orland Park, IL — Elizabeth “Liz” Doody-Gorman announced Monday her candidacy for Commissioner of the Cook County Board’s 17th District to revive the fight to stop tax increases and strengthen the Republican Party’s voice.

Also serving as Republican Committeewoman for Orland Township, Gorman said, “I’m a proud Republican, a smart Republican and someone who knows we can strengthen the Republican Party by attracting more voters, expanding the GOP base, and embracing commonsense, smart candidates for office.”

Gorman is best known for her fight against increased taxes. She led the fight to successfully repeal the Stroger Sales Tax.

“I repealed the Stroger Sales Tax by building a non-partisan coalition,” said Gorman who is often described as a “tax-slayer.”

She also led battles on the county board to block tax hikes on telephones, electricity, and gasoline. And, she forced a reduction in the Motor Vehicle Transfer Tax.

Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman — Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman

Gorman’s record of achievements include:

• Secured funding for the Domestic Violence Court House — “I’ve been a tireless advocate to confront domestic violence and crimes against minors”;
• Assisted in making the county healthcare system more efficient and the billing system more accountable;
• Succeeded to make the County Forest Preserve District a national leader in recreation for families with improved restoration and commitment to conservation.

Additionally, Gorman sponsored an ethics law requiring full disclosure and transparency for Cook County government; helped attract and retain Cook County businesses by sponsoring vital business incentive programs; brought infrastructure improvements to the 17th District, especially in the area of flood mitigation.

Gorman said a major commitment is to fight for Senior rights.

“We need to do more to protect Seniors. More than 75 percent of the 800,000 Americans who have died from COVID are seniors. It will be a priority when I return to county office,” Gorman said.

Gorman represented the district from 2002 until 2015 and will challenge Sean Morrison, who she backed for the position in 2015.

Morrison launched a vicious personal attack last week when he learned Gorman is running. But Gorman called Morrison “weak” noting that he has admitted his own failure as a public servant when he calls himself in his own press release a “lone member” on the Cook County Board.

“The difference between Sean Morrison and myself is that he puts partisan politics over the interests of the people. He says he is a Republican but I am a smart Republican who is not only proud of the GOP but who recognizes that Republicans are an important voice in delivering public services to taxpayers,” Gorman said.

“In order to deliver for this district, the Cook County commissioner must know how to work with everyone. Morrison doesn’t get it.”

Gorman said that she is being encouraged to run by Republican voters who believe Morrison has failed to deliver services to taxpayers and has abandoned “basic Republican principles” by aligning himself with extreme political elements.

“Morrison’s only success is that he succeeded in isolating himself and the people he represents,” said Gorman who noted there are only two Republicans on the 17-member Cook County board.

“My commitment is to put the interests of taxpayers, homeowners, seniors, youth and our businesses first above partisan politics. My job is to serve all residents of the district, not just the ones who agree with my political views. My job is to protect the taxpayers.”

Gorman said Morrison made himself a “lone member” by refusing to work with others resulting in isolating the district at a great cost to taxpayers.”

“He can’t work with anyone and that puts the district in jeopardy and undermines taxpayer interests. I never considered myself a lone member because I know how to work with everyone to get taxpayers the services they deserve,” Gorman said.

“A ‘lone member’ achieves nothing. A smart voice working for the good of the taxpayers achieves much.” Once elected, we’re not just Republican or Democrat. We are public servants tasked to work for the taxpayers to bring services to the constituents, to succeed we must work with everyone. I can disagree with other officials, but I can’t let that disagreement deny our taxpayers the services they earned.”

Gorman said she plans a formal announcement in February.

Click here to read Tribune Columnist Ted Slowik’s column on Liz Gorman announcing.