Stroger Was For Override Reform Before He Was Against It

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, who vehemently opposes legislation to reduce the number of votes needed to override his vetoes, supported the exact same measure before he was board president, Capitol Fax's Rich Miller reports.

A document saved by Rep. John Fritchey from a 2006 campaign he and former County Commissioner Mike Quigley waged to get the override threshold lowered broadcasts then-Ald. Stroger's unequivocal support for the measure: "Todd Stroger Supports Bold Move By Representative Fritchey And Commissioner Quigley To Override Presidential Veto."

As Board president, Stroger has thrice relied on the requirement that four-fifths of the commissioners vote against him to override a veto to prevent rolling back the county's recent sales tax increase.

The reform measure passed the House 95-18 two weeks ago and on Thursday the Senate by a vote of 48-1 (with eight 'present' votes) sent it to the governor's desk for his signature.