Chicago Tribune Endorsement: Dan Patlak for Cook County Board of Review

Commissioner Dan Patlak was endoresed by the Chicago Tribune today.

Dan Patlak, right, Cook County Board of Review commissioner, waits with other Cook County candidates to file their nominating petitions with the Cook County clerk's office on Nov. 25, 2019, in Chicago. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
Dan Patlak, right, Cook County Board of Review commissioner, waits with other Cook County candidates to file their nominating petitions with the Cook County clerk's office on Nov. 25, 2019, in Chicago. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

When taxpayers of suburban Cook County object to their property assessments, they often end up appealing to the Board of Review, a three-member panel of elected officials who serve as a check on the county assessor’s office. The board hears appeals and can help property owners save money on their tax bills. So pay attention.

Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak of Wheeling serves the 1st District well, which stretches from the far northwest suburbs to the far southwest suburbs. He is endorsed for reelection.

Frankly, we don’t know many elected officials who get as animated and engaged about property taxes and saving money for homeowners and businesses as Patlak. For him, this is not a steppingstone, token county job. Patlak dramatically improved technology and transparency in the office, professionalized his staff, and even during COVID shutdowns that froze most Cook County services, he figured out how to get his employees working full time from home on property tax appeals.

Patlak faces Tammy Wendt, a lawyer from Palos Heights, who says she wants to make the appeals process easier and more accessible for low- to middle-income families. The fact is, Patlak has already done that. Voters, don’t change what’s working. Patlak has earned another term.