Endorsement: Kenneally for McHenry County state's attorney
There are two qualified candidates for McHenry County State's Attorney.
Democrat Ray Flavin brings a wealth of experience as an attorney, interest in cutting costs and a genuine concern for citizens whose personal challenges bring them into contact with the legal system.
Assistant State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally, Republican, has an intimate knowledge of the office. His proposed cuts are not as deep, but they also would not affect how the office decides whether to take a case to trial. How that decision is made is a legitimate question to raise, but we feel it needs more study before forcing a change through budget constraints.
We also like Kenneally's work with the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition in starting a walk-in program, similar to one recently begun in Lake County, which would offer a potential path for those with substance abuse problems to get the help they need without facing criminal charges.
Kenneally is endorsed.