“I am vehemently opposed to any effort to defund the police," Matt Podgorski posted on his website. | Facebook
“I am vehemently opposed to any effort to defund the police," Matt Podgorski posted on his website. | Facebook
Northwest Side GOP Club founder Matt Podgorski leaves little doubt about where he stands in the debate about Cook County’s electronic monitoring program.
"(Cook County Circuit Court Chief) Judge Tim Evans is dead wrong here,” Podgorski said in a Facebook post in response to Evans’ recent pushback on criticism of the county’s electronic monitoring program. “The electronic monitoring program is a big part of the reason why we have surging violent crime in Chicago and our suburbs. Violent criminals and even murderers are being let out of prison while awaiting trial.”
Evans defended his support of the program after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made comments earlier this month faulting the court system amid an increase in violent crime.
Matt Podgorski
| Courtesy photo
“Ofcourse, as desirable as it might be in this crime crisis that we face to keep dangerous individuals behind bars, we still have to do so by providing those accused of committing these horrendous crimes the due process of law,” Evans told NBC5 News, adding, “One’s liberty in our system of government is precious.”
Evans said the number of people on electronic monitoring was around 2,500 – a drop from roughly a year ago when there were about 3,500 people in the program.
Podgorski, now running for 9th District Commissioner, remains unconvinced.
“These monitors do nothing to stop the offenders from committing more horrific acts,” he said. “And there are around 3,000 offenders currently roaming the streets under this program. As your Cook County Commissioner, I will absolutely insist that anyone awaiting trial for a violent crime be put back in jail immediately.”
In a year when Cook County registered a record-setting 1,002 gun-related homicides, NBC5 reports more than 800 of the individuals currently on electronic monitoring are facing various gun charges. Of that number, 214 are classified as armed habitual criminals and 109 were charged with murder or attempted murder.
Podgorski is basing his campaign on a platform of stronger public safety measures and tax reform in his run to replace retiring Peter Silvestri.
Podgorski has reportedly raised more than $100,000 in campaign contributions. He has been endorsed by 41st Ward Republican Committeeman Ammie Kessem, 41st Ward Ald. Anthony Napolitano, 38th Ward Republican Committeeman Dan Patlak, National Republican Committeeman Sean Morrison and former Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Kathy Penner.
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