When it comes to entitlement and arrogance, few things rival an elected official caught red-handed attempting to use their status to dodge responsibility. Enter Samantha Steele, a Cook County Board of Review Commissioner and Democrat, who recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Steele’s November 10 arrest for DUI after crashing her car in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood has left taxpayers shaking their heads—and not just because of her alleged crimes.
The audacity of her behavior, from crude remarks to blatant refusals to cooperate with law enforcement, paints a clear picture of the elitism and arrogance so many Americans are fed up with.
A Politician’s Fall From Grace
Samantha Steele, 45, was elected in 2022 to serve on the Cook County Board of Review, where she oversees property tax appeals for constituents. While many viewed her position as a way to bring accountability and reform to Cook County’s notoriously complex property tax system, her recent actions have shattered that image.
On November 10, Steele was arrested near Ashland and Winnemac avenues after crashing her Honda Accord into another vehicle, which then hit a third. Officers arriving at the scene described Steele lying on the sidewalk, admitting she had caused the accident. Her glassy, bloodshot eyes and the strong smell of alcohol on her breath left little doubt about what had happened.
But instead of taking responsibility, Steele’s behavior spiraled into the realm of the absurd.
“I’m an Elected Official!”: The Arrogance Unfolds
When asked to produce her driver’s license and proof of insurance, Steele initially refused. At one point, she handed officers her phone, stating that her attorney was on the line. In a moment caught on body camera footage, Steele declared, “I’m an elected official,” as if her position would absolve her of wrongdoing.
But the most shocking behavior came later when Steele made crude remarks to an officer, asking him, “Is your penis that small?” This kind of inappropriate and demeaning language is an insult not just to law enforcement but to every taxpayer who expects professionalism and accountability from their elected officials.
Entitlement on Full Display
Bodycam footage also revealed that Steele had an open bottle of red wine in her car. Officers described the bottle as “half empty,” adding insult to injury. Steele repeatedly refused to perform field sobriety tests, opting instead to wait for her attorney, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton.
This isn’t Steele’s first controversy. She was previously sanctioned by the Cook County Inspector General for leaking details about a high-profile property tax appeal and was sued by a former employee who accused her of wrongful termination. Yet despite her pattern of questionable behavior, Steele has shown no remorse.
Calls for Accountability
Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, a Republican, has called for Steele’s resignation, saying her actions display a “contempt for the rule of law” and are “unbecoming of any elected official.” Morrison’s sentiment reflects a growing frustration among voters who are tired of seeing public officials misuse their positions and flaunt their power.
Steele’s next court date is scheduled for December 27, and many are eager to see if she will finally face the consequences of her actions.
Final Thoughts
Samantha Steele’s DUI arrest isn’t just a local scandal—it’s a symptom of a larger problem. Too many elected officials seem to believe they operate under a different set of rules, leaving the rest of us to deal with their messes. Whether it’s crude comments, refusals to cooperate, or attempting to pull rank, Steele’s actions should serve as a wake-up call to voters everywhere.
Accountability matters, and the people of Cook County—and beyond—deserve better from their leaders.
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