For Kane County treasurer, Republican: Rickert

Besides safeguarding the county's revenue, the Kane County treasurer has to keep track of all money received, money paid out, investments and mailing out tax bills. There's plenty more to do as well, and incumbent David Rickert has kept a dutiful, watchful eye on all facets, and he earns our endorsement in the Republican primary.

Challenger Bob Kovanic, a certified public accountant and Aurora business owner from Sugar Grove, is bright, articulate and believes "incumbents need to be tested." Rickert has been tested plenty in the last year, with the county's budget problems a seemingly daily concern. Rickert has had some philosophical differences with the county board, but his first job is not to make friends it's to get the board to meet statutory obligations.

The treasurer's second job is to provide advice to (not set policy for) the county board. Kovanic has some interest in the job or else he wouldn't be running. Still, we found him to be mildly disinterested. The job "is not my be-all, end-all," he said. Rickert has some good ideas moving forward, and two of the best are full financial transparency available online, and an efficiency auditor for all departments.