Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Chicago Sun-Times
by STEVE PATTERSON

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger’s right-hand man through the first 18 months of his term is resigning.

Chief of staff Lance Tyson came in with Stroger and has weathered two tough budget battles as well as a torrent of public criticism aimed at his boss.

Tyson, 36, is joining Freeborn & Peters in July as a partner in the firm’s municipal finance and government law practice group, officials announced today.

Tyson pointed to the firm’s “depth of resources and talentÓ in leading him to the job.

Tyson's departure has been rumored for months, and multiple names have surfaced as possible successors.

Tyson took the job largely out of respect for Stroger, a long-time friend, and because of his appreciation for public service.

An outspoken office leader who came into the job with ambitious plans, he often seemed frustrated and stymied by the myriad structural problems within Cook County government.

Tyson was not a seasoned political veteran, and sometimes had trouble navigating political waters in the county building. Still, he was well-liked and respected even by some of Stroger's harshest critics, largely because of the strategic and passionate approaches he brought to the table -- even after a heated TV debate or board meeting.

Tyson came to work for Stroger after leading a law firm specializing in public finance and real estate matters.

Tyson, an Iowa native, also spent time working for Mayor Daley.