Endorsement: Ron Hain for Kane County sheriff
This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Democratic incumbent Ron Hain must fend off a challenge from within his department to get a second term as Kane County sheriff.
Republican Jeff Bodin, a sheriff's deputy with 15 years of experience, says he's trying to unseat his boss to, among other things, address inefficacies in the office. He also wants to improve school security by having current or retired police officers at every school in the county.
Hain, meanwhile, has 24 years of experience as a sworn officer. Since being elected sheriff in 2018, he has sought to modernize the agency and implement various programs in the county jail.
A drug-treatment program for inmates at the jail has helped to curb opioid overdose deaths. Hain also is working to make a treatment center available in Aurora so recently released inmates can continue to receive the help they need.
In 2019, Hain started the "A Way Out" program to assist people struggling with drug addiction who want to seek help but are afraid of retribution. The initiative allows those individuals to get the treatment they need without fear of being arrested.
Hain also has stepped up enforcement efforts to combat the opioid crisis. For example, the Kane and DuPage sheriff's offices have teamed up to go after the sources and suppliers of opioids and fentanyl.
So while Bodin is very knowledgeable about law enforcement, he can't match Hain's record of accomplishment.
Hain has had an impressive first term as sheriff. He's innovative and willing to try new things to improve public safety.
Hain is endorsed.