Endorsement: Cook County state's attorney Democrats
With the department beset by a lingering police-brutality controversy, complaints about staff pay and problems related to workload, the word "change" is an appropriate centerpiece in the Democratic race for Cook County state's attorney. But the key is to find the right type of change and the capacity to bring it about. In that context, the best candidate can be found in a surprising place --the office itself. Anita Alvarez, a 21-year veteran of the office, presents a candidacy that addresses its key needs.
Where the department's relationship with police may appear too cozy, she urges aggressive prosecution of officers who compromise legal cases or lead to charges against innocent people. Where some minority communities view the department skeptically, her Hispanic heritage gives her both insights into the nature of the complaints and a line of communication on which to build new levels of trust. Where the office faces competing needs for budget cuts and added incentives for experienced prosecutors, she has an insider's knowledge of the system and a clear respect for the attorneys in it that can enable her to find creative solutions.
Furthermore, Alvarez has demonstrated the leadership skills needed to make change occur, having run the special prosecutions bureau for more than six years and led the prosecution for some of the agency's most prominent cases.
Robert Milan, currently the first-assistant state's attorney, has developed nationally recognized standards for questioning suspects and clearly has played an important leadership role in the office. But his opportunities for changing the tenor of the office and his commitment to change may not be as promising as those of Alvarez. County Commissioner Larry Suffredin has an admirable eye for inefficiency in government, but his prior lobbying work raises legitimate concerns about potential conflicts. Chicago Alderman Tom Allen has shown effective leadership in addressing problems in his ward. And, Alderman Howard Brookins, who has worked as both a prosecutor and a public defender, and attorney Tommy Brewer both make persuasive cases for the state's attorney's need for better relationships with citizens at the neighborhood level. None of the other candidates, however, brings the composite of experience, credibility and leadership that Alvarez represents. She can bring real change -- and the right change.
The winner of this race will face Republican Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica in November.