Perez officially in sheriff's race

Incumbent Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez, saying he wants to "see to fruition" projects he has started, filed papers late Monday to seek re-election.

Perez, who is in his first term, is the sole contestant so far in the Democratic primary Feb. 2. Two men filed Monday morning in the Republican primary.

Michael C. Funkey of Aurora filed Tuesday for election to a 16th Circuit Court seat. He is a Democrat. One other Democrat filed for the seat Monday, as did five Republicans.

A lottery to determine who will be first on the ballot for various county offices will be held at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 for candidates who filed simultaneously at the Kane County clerk's office.

Perez said he decided to seek a second term to, among other things, change a top-heavy staffing structure. Two lieutenants are retiring this year and a commander is expected to leave next spring, and Perez said he will not fill those positions. "We need to have a better ratio of deputies on the street," he said.

He also countered criticism that he is unwilling to make budget cuts to the extent requested earlier this year by the county board chairman. Coming up with a 5.5 percent cut in midyear "was an unreasonable expectation," Perez said. For the 2010 budget, upper command staff and non-unionized staff will have their wages frozen.