To spur needed reforms, better management and increased transparency Cook County Farm Bureau is seeking a separate governance board for the forest preserve district.

House Bill 4559 will ensure the creation of a separately elected board of commissioners for the forest preserve district. Nine unpaid commissioners will be elected in a non-partisan election, with three commissioners elected from each Board of Review district (currently the 17 county board commissioners and the county board president serve as the board). The president will be selected by the members of the board.

The current board structure in which Commissioners serve as both County Commissioners and Forest Preserve District Commissioners creates an inherent conflict of interest. Additionally, the current board structure inhibits proper oversight and is leading to structure deficiencies.