Kane County Board Dist. 19: Hurlbut

The District 19 race features controversial incumbent Republican Catherine Hurlbut, Democrat Jim Shales and independent Victor LaPorte.

Critics complain Hurlbut paid property taxes late on her law office and accuse her of discussing mining forest land. We're satisfied with her explanations on the taxes, and we think the mining accusations by Shales and his supporters are mudslinging. Shales told us job creation is his No. 1 issue, but he doesn't have detailed plans.

LaPorte doesn't have the experience or background for the job. Hurlbut knows the county inside and out and has the background to help manage it.