Endorsement: Hartwell over Nendrick for Kane court clerk

Job 1 for the new Kane County circuit court clerk: Bring a spirit of cooperation to the budget process (and to daily duties, for that matter), followed closely by doing all you can to ensure the county does not spend $12.6 million for a computer upgrade. Candidates Thomas Hartwell or Edmund Nendick are both ready to take on these assignments. Republican Hartwell is an attorney and former county board member. Democrat Nendick, a businessman, has never held elected office. He has more management experience, especially in terms of working with unions like the one in the circuit court clerk’s office. His No. 1 campaign issue is to prevent spending egregiously on the technology upgrade. Hartwell has more experience in using the circuit court clerk’s office and having a feel for its budgetary needs. He touts financial efficiency, communication and the fact he is unwilling to endorse a blank check for the computer system. In the debate process, he’s the candidate most familiar with the issues, and it’s apparent he’s done his homework. His answers about what needs to be improved in the office are more detailed. He’s talking to the right people about the computer upgrade. And he is more prepared to do the job. Hartwell is endorsed.