Role of the State’s Attorney in the community and policy-making - Cook County State's Attorney Candidate Questionnaire

How would you plan to engage the community as State’s Attorney, including community-based organizations, criminal legal system and policing reform advocates, and other neighborhood-based groups as part of determining priorities and setting policies for your office?

BURKE: I believe in the power of community partnerships, particularly with organizations dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. As State’s Attorney, I am committed to leveraging their expertise to tackle critical issues and provide robust support for survivors navigating the criminal justice system. I will also prioritize creating avenues for open dialogue. Additionally, we will establish structured feedback mechanisms to continually gather insights and recommendations from advocates, enabling us to address emerging issues promptly and effectively. By fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency, we aim to strengthen our collective efforts in combating gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors receive the support and justice they rightfully deserve.

The State’s Attorneys Association holds great sway in Springfield in the debate and adoption of policies related to the criminal legal system.  How would you attempt to influence the association’s agenda in a direction that advances civil liberties and civil rights, especially for the communities in your jurisdiction that are disproportionately harmed by regressive policies that gain traction in the legislature? 

BURKE: First, I would stress the importance of basing decisions on data, providing compelling evidence highlighting the adverse effects of current policies on marginalized communities in our jurisdiction. By presenting thorough data and statistics, we can highlight the urgent need for reform and garner support for initiatives promoting justice and equality. Additionally, I would actively collaborate with like-minded colleagues within the association, advocating for policies prioritizing the protection of civil liberties and addressing systemic disparities in the criminal legal system. Through ongoing advocacy, grounded in empirical evidence and a dedication to social justice, I aim to steer the association's agenda toward advancing policies that uphold civil rights and ensure fairness for all.

Will you actively collaborate with legislators and advocates in Springfield to engage in debate about policies that impact the criminal legal system independent of the State’s Attorney’s Association? What are examples of priority legislation that you would support and oppose?

BURKE: Though I am not involved in the legislative process, I will happily support advocates and organizations that aim to positively change the criminal legal system. Legislation that I prioritize supporting involves broadening access to mental health and substance abuse treatment options. That said, I would stand against bills that restrict civil liberties and perpetuate racial injustices.

How would you plan to engage the community as State’s Attorney, including community-based organizations, criminal legal system and policing reform advocates, and other neighborhood-based groups as part of determining priorities and setting policies for your office?

FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

The State’s Attorneys Association holds great sway in Springfield in the debate and adoption of policies related to the criminal legal system.  How would you attempt to influence the association’s agenda in a direction that advances civil liberties and civil rights, especially for the communities in your jurisdiction that are disproportionately harmed by regressive policies that gain traction in the legislature? 

FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

Will you actively collaborate with legislators and advocates in Springfield to engage in debate about policies that impact the criminal legal system independent of the State’s Attorney’s Association? What are examples of priority legislation that you would support and oppose?

FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

How would you plan to engage the community as State’s Attorney, including community-based organizations, criminal legal system and policing reform advocates, and other neighborhood-based groups as part of determining priorities and setting policies for your office?

KOPINSKI: I would go to community meetings where these issues are being discussed.  Face to face meetings will enhance my understanding of the situation.  It will give me a chance to explain my more practical policies and show how they are better for dealing with crime.  This will also build trust and a relationship with the community. 

The State’s Attorneys Association holds great sway in Springfield in the debate and adoption of policies related to the criminal legal system.  How would you attempt to influence the association’s agenda in a direction that advances civil liberties and civil rights, especially for the communities in your jurisdiction that are disproportionately harmed by regressive policies that gain traction in the legislature? 

KOPINSKI: Policy needs to focus on violent crimes and property crimes without overburdening the people with things which accomplish little, but harm civil liberties and civil rights. 

Will you actively collaborate with legislators and advocates in Springfield to engage in debate about policies that impact the criminal legal system independent of the State’s Attorney’s Association? What are examples of priority legislation that you would support and oppose?

KOPINSKI: Yes.  The issue of completely eliminating bail needs to be studied and debated.  A low bail policy can serve as a deterrent to crime and not be too harsh on poor people.