By: Ashmar Mandou

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is designed to protect the health and safety of the public in its service area, to protect the quality of the water supple source, to improve the quality of water in watercourses, and to protect businesses and homes from flood damages. It is quite an undertaking for Joseph Daniel Cook who has his sights on being elected to serve as Commission of MWRD. “MWRD is an organization that I love so much and have dedicated my time to making sure I know every aspect of how it runs,” said Cook. Currently, Cook works as a senior attorney at MWRD of Greater Chicago, where he represents and defends the MWRD on a variety of legal issues. Through his wide-ranging experience working for MWRD, Cook is confident he will able to serve the organization the best way he can. “There are many successes within the organization. It is not my intent to come in, if elected, and completely shift MWRD. Rather, it is my intent to prove upon the organization’s weaknesses, which is mainly educating the public on the important work MWRD does for the greater Chicago,” said Cook.

Cook serves in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, where he is assigned as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at the 183rd Fighter Wing National Guard Base in Springfield, Illinois. Cook’s legal career began at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he worked his way through the ranks while assigned to Criminal Appeals, the Narcotics Bureau, and the Gang Crimes Unit. Community service also plays a vital role in Cook’s life. During Cook’s off time, he volunteers as coach at DePaul Academy and St. Mary of the Wood’s grade school. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Tripp Healy Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing scholarship opportunities for underserved students. As a proud Chicagoan, Cook promises to lead MWRD in the years. “I would like people to know that I have a lot of passion for MWRD and I promise to dedicate my time to serving the community of Chicago,” said Cook. Cook attended Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a degree in history. He completed his studies at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Cook received endorsements from the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, Cook County Farm Bureau PAC, 41st Ward Democratic Organization, and 41st Ward Citizen’s Blog.