What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

I primarily drive my reliable old-timer car to work because it allows me to balance time and my responsibilities; family, work, and community commitments efficiently. Relying on a car each day has given me a firsthand understanding of the importance of reliable and well-maintained roadways, as well as the need for practical alternatives. Experiencing daily traffic, congestion and road construction areas has shown me how heavily residents depend on their vehicles when other options can be limited or counterintuitive to their daily commutes.

When I commute to my parents house or to downtown Chicago several times a month, I often use the “L”, Metra and the bus. I often encounter an array of folks, business people in suits and heels, cyclists, mothers struggling with their little ones and strollers, among many others. Relying heavily on both my car and public transportation has given me the motivation to support a balanced transportation system that maintains efficient road travel while strengthening public transit, cycling, ADA-compliant and pedestrian infrastructure.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

In the 16th District, one of the most significant transportation challenges is the lack of reliable and continuous bike lanes throughout the western suburbs. While Chicago has made major progress expanding its modern cycling network, our district has not seen the same consistent investment. Improved bike lanes would help residents travel safely and explore their communities during warmer months. Several of my heavily attended Bike/Ride events have to be tailored to a safe route for our commuters, away from traffic and on smooth streets.

Another challenge is the condition and reliability of public transit. Many residents feel they need to rely on cars because bus and train service is not always safe, frequent, comfortable, or predictable. As a mom of 2 little ones under 3 years old, I often encounter non-functioning elevators, non-ADA complaint areas or bathrooms in sight. I ponder how our handicap community must feeling the struggles much more than my occasional public transportation ride. Strengthening our public transportation system for all, with safety, cleanliness, accessibility and options would expand mobility, reduce congestion, and help people feel more connected to their surroundings too.

Cook County residents often find their local roadways fall under multiple different jurisdictions and standards. How do you view the County’s role in ensuring consistent, safe, and accessible transportation for constituents?

I believe Cook County should take an active role in coordinating consistency across jurisdictions. When roadway standards shift suddenly from one municipality or district to another, residents often feel uncertain, angry and confused about accountability. Most residents, understandingly so, are uninformed about streets and roads being state owned, city own, or whose jurisdiction it falls under. They care about someone addressing the pothole or the construction that needs to be repaired. The County can address this by improving and standardizing signage, aligning roadway design and safety standards across local governments, and clearly communicating with residents when jurisdictional differences exist. There can also be a designated staggered staffer who helps transition the change of administration for the betterment of the community. By promoting coordination and providing clarity, Cook County can reduce confusion, improve safety, and make daily commuting significantly more predictable and accessible.

What can Cook County do to stabilize and expand access to bikeshare programs that span municipalities?

Cook County should evaluate successful bikeshare models and build partnerships that allow those systems to function reliably across municipal boundaries. Ensuring stability will require clear expectations for bike availability and maintenance, as well as easy ways for residents to report problems or gaps in service. Regular review of contracts with bikeshare providers is essential to ensure accessibility and accountability. The County should also promote seamless connections between suburban systems and the larger Chicago bikeshare network. By encouraging strong regional cooperation, bikeshare can become a dependable transportation option for residents throughout the county, not only in select areas.

What role can the County play in bringing funding sources and revenue streams to county transportation projects?

Commissioners play a vital role in elevating local priorities and securing resources that address them. This begins by listening to constituents and identifying transportation needs within each community. Commissioners can bring these issues into committee discussions, advocate for budgetary support, and build relationships with state, federal, and regional partners to pursue grants and additional funding. They can also maintain communication with transportation and technology companies to explore innovative and cost-effective solutions. By serving as a bridge between local concerns and countywide decision-making, commissioners help ensure that transportation projects are funded where they are most urgently needed.

Cook County has a history of innovating access to public services, including public transit – such as the Fair Transit South Cook pilot. As commissioner, what are ways you envision the County innovating on transportation?

As commissioner, I would prioritize finding new partnerships and modernizing existing infrastructure in creative, cost-effective ways. A strong example of this type of approach is Chicago’s “606” trail, which transformed unused rail infrastructure into a multi-use path that connects neighborhoods through biking, jogging, and walking. Cook County has several similar opportunities to repurpose underused corridors and strengthen mobility in underserved areas. I also envision piloting programs that improve transit frequency, reduce fares where possible, and integrate technology to provide real-time service information. By improving last-mile connections and making it easier for residents to move between transit, biking, and walking, the County can continue its history of transportation innovation and improve overall quality of life.