Chicago Tribune - January 15, 2010

...We think the very best choice is state Sen. Dan Cronin of Elmhurst, who is endorsed.

Cronin has been one of the most creative and effective members of the Senate for years. He has been a leader on education reform and crime prevention and a consistent vote against higher taxes. He has supported the expansion of O'Hare International Airport.

He offers some interesting ideas to make county government leaner and keep it focused on what local government needs to do. And he's telling the board to sober up -- its current spending plan is based on some unrealistic revenue expectations. He'll lead an efficient operation....Cronin has experience and great potential as an executive.

See for yourself: You can watch the editorial board interview the four candidates together at the Tribune's Election Center: Chicagotribune.com/elections.

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DuPage County voters need full disclosure from elected officials and candidates

January 12, 2010 (Lombard, IL) – Current disclosure reports do not sufficiently inform voters about either the source of campaign contributions or personal businesses receiving county business, according to State Senator Dan Cronin (R-21), a Republican candidate for DuPage County Board Chairman. Cronin today calls for a new county initiative that would improve reporting requirements by DuPage County elected officials and candidates for office. The proposal would supplement the county’s existing Ethics Ordinance and would require:

1. Elected officials and candidates to list both the name of the company and profession of all contributors;
2. County officials who claim that their personal company has received county business to disclose the amount of the contract, the nature of the work and the time period;
3. Businesses who receive county contracts in excess of $25,000 to file an annual report with DuPage County detailing any campaign contributions made to county officials.

Cautions against lower revenues, loss of state funding

November 24, 2009 (Wheaton, IL) – State Senator Dan Cronin (R-21), a Republican candidate for DuPage County Board Chairman, supports the FY 2010 DuPage County budget plan while cautioning against the prolonged consequences of a sustained economic recession.

“This budget plan funds county government in a responsible manner without increasing the tax burden on county residents,” Cronin said. “At a time when many families and businesses are struggling financially, the County Board has submitted a modest budget that lives within its means while providing crucial county services.”

The $451 million budget funds transportation needs, public safety, public works and health/human services for DuPage County residents. The total property tax levy is reduced by $100,000 over FY 2009 and the county still maintains a $37 million cash reserve.