Biography

Ronald Lawless has devoted both his personal and professional efforts to working with others to improve the community. He feels it is important to inform and involve citizens in every aspect of community affairs.

Lawless serves as a member of several organizations:  West Suburban Hospital’s Ethics Committee, the Oak Park River Forest League of Women Voters, the Cook County Lions Club and Healthcare Now, a nonprofit organization fighting for universal healthcare.  A staunch supporter of greater parental involvement in both Chicago and suburban schools, Lawless worked with the University of Illinois in Champaign, the Academic Development Institute in Lincoln, Il., and the Illinois State Board of Education in providing the first statewide parent involvement website at Illinoisparents.org. In August, Lawless also will partner with Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, IL to establish higher educational opportunities for inner city students.

Lawless is a proponent of universal healthcare and more direct funding to schools so that principals can design their curricula in support of their school’s needs and not the needs of a school district.  Lawless supports legislation that would create a parents’ bill of rights.

Lawless has a distinct vision for the Cook County government.  As the future commissioner, Lawless would like to achieve long-term community investment and sustainable urban development with a strong focus on resident training and hiring.

Lawless would like for you to imagine the possibilities of a government that works for you.