Cook County Assessor candidates, that is. Five folks will be on the ballot, 3 Dems (one of whom will emerge from next Tuesday’s primary), one Green and one Repub. Can you say “pandering to real estate homeowners?” Of course people hate to pay taxes, but whose burden is hardest to bear, those who own real estate or those who must rent their abodes? What it comes down to, of course, is that homeowners vote, and real estate tax bills have big black numbers. Whereas renters are much less likely to vote, and are nickled and dimed (make that $5 and $10) by sales tax and income tax that are harder to see.
Anyhow, the debate is this Thursday, at the Union League Club (65 W Jackson), 4:30 PM. It is open to the public without charge, but you must register in advance (by calling 312 435-5946) and you must dress in nothing less than business casual attire. A bit more detail here.