“I see Cook County as having four obligations.  Our government must keep the people safe, provide for a healthy community, tax and spend wisely, and meet a minimum standard of ethical decency.  These final two proposals, added with my other two previous proposals, explain how I will meet those obligations,” said Garrido.

The “Community and Corrections Initiative” will consolidate Forest Preserve police with the county sheriff, emphasize rehabilitation for non-violent offenders, move to legalize concealed carry laws for Cook County gun owners, and create an independent corrections board, among other reforms.

“All other candidates in this election propose status quo solutions to our County’s problems.  The only reform that my opponent proposes in this primary is to give GEDs to temporary detainees.  I commend him on his effort, but it’s just not enough to truly reform a corrupted system.  Giving inmates GEDs will not stem patronage corruption that has hampered the functioning of our system.”

The “Public Service Initiative” will expand the inspector general’s office, disclose all Shakman exempt hires, devolve authority to the Human Resources department, hire a full-time non-exempt compliance officer, and publish detailed investigation reports by the Office of Independent Inspector General, among other reforms.

“Once again, I’m the only one truly committed to reform.  Of all the candidates in this election, I am the only one that has detailed how deep my ethics reforms go, and why they are necessary.  We need systematic changes, which my proposals do, in addition to hiring more investigative personnel.  It’s time we prevent corruption instead of merely responding to it.”

Garrido has released four different initiatives during the primary campaign.  They deal with the health care network, the Cook County budget and taxes, the public safety system, and government ethics.  He has called the four his “Fresh Start Initiatives,” and emphasizes that he is the only Republican in this race to propose reforms aimed at truly bringing a fresh start to Cook County.