Munoz for Cook circuit court clerk

The progress to clean up Cook County government in the past year has been impressive. While much work remains to be done, there’s almost universal agreement that finally, the old-style cronyism is being replaced with a more professional approach to public service.

Voters have a chance to continue that progress in the Democratic primary for Cook County circuit court clerk by casting their ballots in favor of Rick Munoz, a reform alderman in Chicago for 18 years. We endorse him.

His opponent, incumbent Dorothy Brown, also of Chicago, has a somewhat charming swagger and considerable energy, but she is a vestige of a system that sees nothing wrong with soliciting or accepting campaign contributions from contractors and staff members.

Munoz, endorsed by board President Toni Preckwinkle, says he would establish ethics standards that do away with most no-bid contracts and that refuse employee donations.

We disagree with Munoz’ criticism of the tax-free approach Brown’s office is taking to electronic filing and hope he reconsiders his opposition to the user-fee system that actually saves the taxpayer money. Despite our disagreement on that issue, however, Munoz is the best choice for Democratic voters.