Kiana Belcher Enters Cook County Commissioner Race, Vows Bold Reforms and Honest Leadership (Dolton, IL) — Dolton Trustee Kiana Belcher has officially launched her campaign for Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District, promising to bring bold reform, community-centered leadership, and unwavering integrity to the Southland.
Belcher, known for her outspoken advocacy and her willingness to challenge entrenched power, gained widespread attention in Dolton for standing up to controversial former Mayor Tiffany Henyard. As a trustee, Belcher repeatedly confronted Henyard over financial mismanagement and lack of transparency. She supported a resolution calling for a federal investigation into the mayor’s administration amid allegations of corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars. Belcher’s consistent push for accountability, even in the face of strong political opposition, cemented her reputation as a leader guided by honesty and a deep commitment to residents.
“There is no way we should be locked out of a place where we pay taxes,” Belcher famously stated during a tense village board meeting, highlighting her dedication to transparency and taxpayer rights.
Now turning her focus to the Cook County 5th District — which includes Chicago’s South Side and southern suburbs — Belcher is centering her campaign on critical issues that have long impacted local families: health care access, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.
Health Care and Mental Health Access
Belcher has identified health care, especially mental health services, as one of the district’s most urgent needs. She noted that while programs like down payment assistance and rental support exist, they are often underutilized due to lack of community awareness. As commissioner, Belcher pledges to act as a connector, ensuring residents know about and can access these vital resources. She also stressed the importance of expanding mental health services in schools and neighborhoods, noting the profound impact that mental health challenges have on families and community stability.
Fixing Infrastructure and Flooding
Infrastructural failures — from flooding to water main breaks — have caused repeated losses for many Southland families. Belcher emphasized the need to secure county infrastructure funding to fix outdated and failing systems. “When it rains, people lose precious memories and irreplaceable items,” she said. “We have to stop forcing residents to start over every time there’s a storm.”
Creating a Strong Job Market
Belcher doesn’t just want to create jobs; she wants to create career paths. She called for a focus on local, well-paying jobs that help stabilize households and support local economies. She highlighted the billion-dollar CTA expansion project as an example of an opportunity that should prioritize local workers.
Investing in Public Safety
On public safety, Belcher advocates for stronger investment in community organizations through programs such as the Justice Advisory Council grants. She stressed that these funds must reach the neighborhoods most affected by violence and instability, and that residents need to be fully informed on how to access services and resources.
Fiscal Responsibility and Essential Services
Belcher acknowledged Cook County’s budget constraints but vowed to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to protect essential community services. “We must make tough decisions, but we cannot cut out the things our communities depend on,” she said. “I’ll work closely with my colleagues to ensure we protect critical services while maintaining financial discipline.”
A Leader With Integrity
When asked what distinguishes her from her opponents, Belcher pointed to her record of integrity and courage. Unlike many politicians, she has consistently put residents ahead of personal or political interests. “I’m a public servant, not a self-servant,” she said. “I will give 100% of my time and energy to the residents of the 5th District.”
Belcher hopes to inspire voters to envision a district that prioritizes solutions, inclusion, and strong leadership rooted in community values. “I’m not just running a campaign; I’m building a movement,” she said.
Kiana Belcher Enters Cook County Commissioner Race, Vows Bold Reforms and Honest Leadership
