Our picks for Kane County offices
Kane County Board chairman
Incumbent Karen McConnaughay, a Republican from St. Charles, gets our nod to lead the county for another four years. She has overseen the construction of a new jail and animal control facility, both of which were done with an eye toward getting the best bang for the taxpayers' buck. She's moved a pair of critical Fox River bridge projects forward and kept an eye on the looming problem of Kane County's water supply. Democratic opponent Sandy Kaczmarski of Elburn has her heart in the right place but her common sense approach sometimes reveals naiveté about rules governing how money is spent.
Kane County coroner
Incumbent Republican Chuck West has been a visible force in the community. He takes seriously his role of investigator and advocate. Democrat Stan Hickrod, a funeral director and former cop, is taking a second run at West. We see no reason to change horses.
Kane County auditor
Bill Keck has been the Kane County Auditor for 16 years, and he's been a trustworthy voice during some contentious squabbles over the years. His Democratic challenger, former Elgin city councilman Tom Sandor, has even said he is not dissatisfied with Keck's tenure but only wants new blood. We're not dissatisfied, either.
Kane County circuit court clerk
Deb Seyller has done a good job taking advantage of technology and making the office more efficient. We endorse her over Democrat Edmond Nendick.
Kane County recorder
Incumbent Sandy Wegman has made good use of funding by finding ways to do the job with less staff and, now, less space. We choose her over Democrat Frank Craig.
Kane County Board
District 2: Incumbent Democrat Donnell Collins has been unresponsive to phone calls and is not much of a presence in board meetings. We feel a change is warranted. We endorse Republican challenger Doug Sullivan.
District 12: Incumbent Republican John Hoscheit, who also heads the county forest preserve commission, has worked capably on land preservation issues. His opponent, Ray Spychalski, has little to offer in terms of answers.
District 18: Incumbent Republican Don Wolfe over Jeanette Mihalec. Mihalec, a strong communicator in her role with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce has some promise, but we like the incumbent's straight talk and common man sensibilities. He should be given another term.
District 20: Democrat Cristina Castro over Green Party candidate Julie Schmitt and Republican Ruth Rauschenberger, who was slated to run only after Larry Wegman dropped out of the race. Rauschenberger's political experience consists of helping on campaigns of her son, former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger. Castro has experience on local boards. She and Rauschenberger share conservative views on finances.
District 22: Republican Jackie Tredup remains active in her committees and deserves re-election. Her opponent is Democrat Ed Rzeppa.
District 24: Democrat Hollie Kissane also is a regular contributor and should be retained. She is running against Republican Kay Ann Teeter, a Carpentersville trustee.