Foxx right to implement bail reform, prosecutorial scrutiny

I support; indeed applaud Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx for her efforts, the first ever I believe by a Cook County State’s Attorney, to address the glaring issues of excessive incarceration for being poor (no bail money) and for being black/brown (targets of excessive, even criminal prosecution).

There is no connection whatsoever between her reform efforts and violent crime in Cook County. Prosecution and conviction rates are little different, if any, from previous administrations. Her reforms are improving the criminal justice system without endangering the public. Her reforms put the emphasis on truly violent offenders, as it should.

Foxx’s critics are simply grandstanding by making up unsupported allegations that put the entire blame for rising violent crime on her administration. Case in point is the recent frivolous bill introduced in the Illinois House by Lake County Representative Chris Bos, calling for Foxx’s recall. Bos’ bill offered not one iota of evidence in support, and his failure to respond to Foxx’s detailed rebuttal was further evidence his bill amounted to ‘tough on crime’ pandering.

Foxx was re-elected in 2020 in large part because her reforms resonate with a majority of Cook County voters. Instead of standing on the sidelines, ignoring county, state and federal efforts to curtail gun availability and provide uplift for poor, crime ridden communities, Foxx’s critics should support those efforts if truly interested in reducing violent crime.