MARKHAM MAYOR GIVES CLARITY TO HIS ENDORSEMENT IN THE RACE FOR COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT

Photos provided by STH Media
Photos provided by STH Media

 MARKHAM MAYOR GIVES CLARITY TO HIS ENDORSEMENT IN THE RACE FOR COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT


MAYOR ROGER AGPAWA CONFIRMS HIS ENDORSEMENT OF CURRENT COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DR. KISHA McCASKILL

 

McCaskill’s Opponent, Kiana Belcher, FALSELY published through social media that she received Agpawa’s support, in which Agpawa firmly denies

 

(Markham, IL) – Dr. Kisha McCaskill- Commissioner of the 5th District of Cook County- is proudly announcing the full endorsement of Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa. This comes after Mayor Agpawa’s name was grossly misrepresented with him endorsing McCaskill’s unofficial opponent, Kiana Belcher. The post was viewed on Belcher’s Facebook page over a 72-hour period. Upon being informed of the false endorsement, Mayor Agpawa reaffirmed his endorsement of Commissioner McCaskill.

“Dr. McCaskill has proven to be an outstanding Cook County Commissioner and a solid public servant to the residents of the 5th district of Cook County. Her staff has been proactive and responsive to the needs of Markham and has given us full access to her office, which is located right here in the City of Markham. I want it to be clear that I enthusiastically endorse her candidacy and look forward to continuing our wonderful working relationship” says Mayor Agpawa.

“I am honored, grateful, and blessed to not only receive Mayor Agpawa’s endorsement, but equally honored to have enjoyed a great working relationship with him through various networks. Mayor Agpawa’s contributions to the upward mobility of not only Markham, but the southland region is well regarded and respected. I look forward to his wise counsel and support as we enhance the infrastructure, wealth, and overall county operations within the 5thDistrict of Cook County.” says Commissioner McCaskill.

Upon being appointed to fulfill the remaining term of former Commissioner and now current Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, McCaskill hit the ground running at an accelerated pace. She has ushered in a new dynamic in the delivery of Cook County services by bringing much needed county programs into the district. These services include but are not limited to Healthcare Services, Planning and Development, Public Safety, and Property Tax matters.

Many have lauded the immediate accomplishments of Commissioner McCaskill amid her short tenure of office. Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman Calvin Jordan adds, “Dr. McCaskill has ushered in a paradigm shift in the delivery of government services and programs. Her vast experiences in community planning along with her enormous knowledge of municipal government has been of tremendous benefit to our combined communities who rely heavily on cook county services. I stand firm in my support of her efforts as Commissioner as well as her much anticipated run for election.”

“Dr. McCaskill is the steady, firm and relentless voice in which the 5th district residents had enjoyed under former Commissioners’ Deborah Sims and Monica Gordon. Commissioner McCaskill not only has continued in this tradition, but she has been a constant frontline support to sustain and enhance the climate of healthcare within our region, particularly the core services that benefit women.” says Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin. (38th District)

Commissioner McCaskill holds a PhD in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in public service administration as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Sociology from Western Illinois University. She is a former adjunct professor and served as Executive Director of the Harvey Park District.

Dr. McCaskill, is an active 33-year member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc., founding member and officer of the Democratic Women of the Southland Region, founding member and officer of the South Suburban Region Black Chamber of Commerce & Industry, member of Planned Parenthood, National Council of Negro Women, and member of the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award Cohort.

McCaskill concludes, “I pledge myself to the residents of the 5th district. I understand the numerous challenges that people are currently battling. Moreover, I understand the positive impact that the government of Cook County has on the lives of residents. I am grateful to President Preckwinkle and her administration for allowing me to further extend these much-needed services throughout the southland. We have performed this initiative in a spirit of excellence and with a heavy concentration on assisting challenged communities.

On January 10th, 2025, Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris III were joined by ten other Chicago and south suburban Democratic Committeemen as they met to select a person to occupy the 5th District Cook County Commissioner’s seat left vacant by the current Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. The gathering took place last evening at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.

After hearing presentations from five candidates, the group decided overwhelmingly to appoint well-known democratic organizer and former adjunct professor as the new Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District. Commissioner McCaskill is currently serving out the remaining term of the former 5th District Commissioner and current Cook County Clerk, Monica Gordon.



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