Lyons Township Assessor Patrick J. Hynes kicked off his campaign for Cook County assessor last Thursday, after announcing a Democratic primary challenge to incumbent Fritz Kaegi.
Supporters packed The Village Club of Western Springs for the launch event, which drew members of the Lyons Township Democratic Organization, local firefighters, and former Cook County employees.
Hynes, elected township assessor in 2021, pitched himself as a seasoned public servant ready to bring reform to the office.
“I love my vocation, and I love advocating for the taxpayers of Lyons Township,” Hynes said. “It’s time to remove an obstinate incumbent that consistently stands in the way of property tax relief.”
Hynes, a certified Illinois assessing officer with a degree in real estate from DePaul University, criticized Kaegi’s administration for what he called a broken assessment system that has led to “unpredictable tax increases and unfair property assessments.”
Lyons Township Supervisor Chris Getty opened the event by praising Hynes’ leadership and experience.
Township Democratic Committeeman Steve Landek introduced Hynes, calling his career in public service “long and respected.”
Hynes, who also serves as a firefighter and EMT in Western Springs, noted the symbolic timing of the March 17 primary.
“With the election on St. Patrick’s Day, I’m hoping the luck of the Irish is on my side,” he said. “But it’s my qualifications, not just good fortune, that make me the right choice for the job.”
Hynes is a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers and said his campaign will focus on fairness, experience and readiness to lead on day one.
