Sheriff, clerk top primary races in Kane, DuPage counties

Races for nominations for sheriff and county clerk are the most interesting local contests to watch in Tuesday’s primary elections in DuPage and Kane counties. Here’s a look at the match-ups:

DuPage County

The fight for the Republican nomination for DuPage County sheriff took a turn in recent weeks when Undersheriff Eddie Moore was involved in an accident with a pedestrian in a parking lot. Moore was placed on administrative leave for a few days while police and the sheriff’s internal affairs department looked into the matter. Moore was cleared.

Moore is running against former DuPage County Board member Sean Noonan, who has criticized Moore over his handling of the incident.

Noonan bills himself as a “reformer” and has said the partnership with municipalities is “not as strong as it should be.” He spent most of his law enforcement career with the Bloomingdale Police Department, rising through the ranks to become a sergeant. Now he’s an officer in Oakbrook Terrace.

“I’ve had the opportunity to network with a lot of municipal partners over the past few years, and I think it's time for change,” he said.

Moore said he’s the best person for the job, because he’s worked in all three bureaus of the sheriff’s office. The agency, he says, doesn’t “run like a normal police department.” He’s touted a roving school resource officer program that rolled out last year. He says he’s “already” doing the job.

“I’ve already moved the salaries in a positive direction. I have programs that have already started,” Moore said.

Current Sheriff James Mendrick did not seek reelection and is instead running as a Republican candidate for governor. Democratic candidate Peter Coolidge is unopposed.

Incumbent county clerk Jean Kaczmarek is opposed by county board member Paula Deacon Garcia in the Democratic primary.

Kaczmarek and the county board have been locked in a yearslong feud over how she runs her office and how bills are paid. The dispute became a big issue in the race. Kaczmarek is seeking a third term.

Kane County

There are two primary races to decide who will be the Democratic and Republican nominees for Kane County sheriff. Current Sheriff Ron Hain did not seek reelection.

His undersheriff, Amy Johnson, and fellow employee Lt. Salvador Rodriguez are seeking the Democratic nomination.

Former coroner Rob Russell is seeking the GOP nomination, as is Elburn Trustee Luis “Lou” Santoyo, a former Cook County Sheriff’s deputy.

Three people are vying for the Democratic nomination for county treasurer: current county auditor Penny Wegman, former Republican Connie Cain and Scott Johansen.

Current Treasurer Chris Lauzen is unopposed in the GOP primary.

And two people are seeking the Democratic nomination for county clerk: Brian Pollock, who is a deputy clerk, and Brenda Rodgers. The winner will face longtime incumbent Jack Cunningham in November.

Other reasons to vote

There are several referendum questions on the ballot.

Geneva taxpayers are being asked for $59.4 million so the city can build a new police station and address public safety issues at its two fire stations. If approved, the owner of a $500,000 home would pay about $400 a year in additional property taxes to fund the improvements.

In Naperville, the park district is seeking voter approval to borrow $120 million to fund the construction of an activity center at the Frontier Sports Complex. The proposed building would house indoor pools, a fitness center, gymnasiums, a walking and jogging track, an indoor playground and other amenities. If voters say “yes,” the owner of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $117 a year more in property taxes to the district.