About Dennis

Dennis was born in Cicero, Illinois and grew up in Orland Park. Dennis graduated from Sandburg High School and then went on to The Ohio State University where he graduated with a degree in political science.

Dennis currently serves as the President of the Consolidated District 230 Board of Education, which is the 7th largest high school district in Illinois. As President of the District 230 Board, he oversees a budget of over $140 million and more than 1,000 employees. During his time in office, Dennis has been instrumental in leading the Board from a $3 million deficit to a $4 million surplus in less than 3 years, while improving the quality of education.

Dennis has a long history of involvement in the Republican Party – both as a volunteer and as a paid staffer. Dennis was campaign manager for Karen McConnaughay for Kane County Board Chairman (2003-2004); campaign manager for Richard Irvin for Mayor (2005); field coordinator for Joe Birkett for Governor (2005-2006) and campaign manager for Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno’s bid for State Treasurer (2006).

Dennis has been heavily involved in organizing young Republicans in Illinois. He is currently the State Chairman for the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans. Dennis also served as the Midwest Regional Director for the National Federation of Young Republicans before recently being elected as the group’s National Auditor.

Dennis is married. He and his wife, Amy, have a daughter, Maggie. Amy was recently appointed Deputy General Counsel for the National Federation of Young Republicans. The Cooks are members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Orland Park.

CORE VALUES

I have been active in the Republican Party since I was a teenager. I was drawn to the Republican Party because of the values for which our party stands – a commitment to limited government, a respect for tradition, a fundamental faith in the power of individuals, an unwavering belief in the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans and an unshakable trust in the power of the free market.

Those core values are timeless. It is not a question about whether we as a party are too conservative or not conservative enough – it’s a question of leadership. Leadership that understands the core values that made our party great and leadership that knows how to apply those timeless principles to the challenges that face our state today.

NEW LEADERSHIP

I don’t have to tell you that we are facing serious challenges here in Illinois. After years of scandal and mismanagement, we have a state teetering on economic collapse and an electorate that has become increasingly apathetic.

The apathy bred by scandal after scandal and failure after failure is a threat to the very foundation of our state government. The cycle of corruption that has poisoned Springfield has also undermined Illinoisans’ faith in their elected officials and in the legislative process.

This seemingly endless cycle of corruption, scandal and failure breeds more corruption, scandal and failure. As our elected officials offer less and less, the electorate expects less and less. The race to the bottom here in Illinois has not only made us the laughing stock of the country but has also bred a culture in Springfield that not only accepts scandal, corruption and failure – it expects it.

It is time to expect more, and it is time for our elected leaders to offer more. It is time for leadership in Illinois that will break with the past, and offer voters a new way forward. Simply put, it is time for new leadership in Illinois. Indeed, it is time for a new generation of leaders here in Illinois – and with your help I can be one of those leaders.

Public service is an honor and a responsibility, and sadly too many in Illinois politics today have forgotten what public service is really about. Public service is not about lining your pockets, or the pockets of your friends and families. Public service is not about collecting political IOUs or striking shady back room deals. Public service isn’t about politics simply for the sake of politics. Public service should be about serving the people you have been elected to represent. As a public servant your first duty should be to the people who have entrusted you to speak for them.

When I am representing you, I will bring new leadership to bear, never forget the responsibility of public service, and help build an Illinois we can all be proud of!