Drugs, gangs, Ferguson hot topics at Kane Co. sheriff debate

Addressing community dangers caused by gangs and drugs and the relationship between a police department and the citizens it serves became campaign issues Wednesday night for the two candidates vying to become the new Kane County sheriff.

Democrat Willie Mayes Sr. and Republican Don Kramer debated those topics during a League of Women Voters forum at the Kane County branch court in St. Charles in front of an audience of about 25 people.

One topic that had audience members leaning forward in their seats was how the candidates would act to prevent a public uprising along the lines of what's occurring in Ferguson, Missouri.

Mayes said he already has a written plan ready to implement within his first 100 days in office to form a better relationship with the community. That relationship is necessary for police to do their jobs, Mayes said.

"You have to sit down and have meetings to build trust," Mayes said. "Things happen, and the police cannot be everywhere. However, the community sees it. They fear retaliation. They won't talk to you. We have to give them an opportunity to take back their community."

Kramer said he worked as a community liaison during part of his former career at the sheriff's department. He said the key to a good relationship is for officers to be in the community both in uniform and as a regular person.

"You have to network with community organizations, neighborhood watch groups, and get involved," Kramer said. "You need to know what the ills of the society are. And you have to come together to solve the problems."

Among those problems are drug use and gang activity.

Mayes said the way to minimize the impact of gangs to is to take away their membership.

"You have to give the kids somewhere else to go," Mayes said. "I believe it's important to take time to talk to the kids but also take time to listen. Some join gangs to be able to walk through a neighborhood safely so they can get home, or because this is what their family has done. We have to offer some type of alternative."

Kramer said gangs aren't a major problem in Kane County.

To keep it that way, police officers need to be in schools, identifying gang activity and taking action.

"You need to speak to young people before they get into gangs," Kramer said. "A gang problem is really a community problem."

Likewise, both candidates agreed kids must learn the dangers of drugs at an early age to keep them from going down the wrong path.

On other topics, Mayes said the county should move forward with building out the remaining shell space at the county jail now if it could find private financing. He'd be open to letting a private or outside entity use the shell space for a period of time in trade for the funding.

Kramer said he is in favor of examining the costs of building out the shell space, but actual construction should be deferred until the economy improves.

Kramer also said he supports the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois, but he would fight against legalized recreational use.

Mayes said his job with regard to marijuana starts and ends with enforcing whatever laws are created.