Endorsement: Hart for DuPage County Board chairman

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Two highly qualified candidates are squaring off in the Republican primary for DuPage County Board chairman.

County board members Greg Hart of Hinsdale and Pete DiCianni of Elmhurst are not seeking reelection to their board seats to make a bid to replace Dan Cronin, who is stepping down after three terms as chairman.

Whoever wins the Republican nomination will face state Rep. Deb Conroy of Villa Park. She decided not to seek reelection to the state House and is running unopposed for county board chairman in the Democratic primary.

DiCianni is a former Elmhurst mayor who has served on the county board since 2012. He has been a strong supporter of law enforcement. He also was instrumental in a push to equip police officers with EpiPens. In addition, he helped draft several health care laws in Illinois, including Brianna's Law, which secures health insurance coverage for children diagnosed with autism.

DiCianni, who founded a graphics and printing company in Addison, is focused on economic development, public safety, and health and human services.

Hart, who is a management consultant, joined the board in 2017 and quickly made an impact. He was part of a decision to transfer the psychological services division from DuPage's community services department to the health department. The savings allowed the county and the health department to serve more people.

Hart also took on a significant role in dealing with the opioid crisis in DuPage. He is the co-chairman of the Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education Taskforce. The joint operation of the county board and board of health recommends policies, initiatives and programs to battle the opioid epidemic.

If elected chairman, Hart says his priorities include partnering with the sheriff and state's attorney to combat rising violent crime, maintaining a balanced budget and keeping taxes in check.

With a mix of Republicans and Democrats on the county board, the chairman must work across the aisle to get things done. Hart has shown he has the temperament and willingness to do that.

Republican voters should not be uncomfortable with either candidate. But given his ability to work with others, we endorse Hart.