Rodgers takes Democratic primary for Kane clerk

A former Elgin city councilman has nabbed the Democratic Party nomination for Kane County clerk, according to unofficial and incomplete election results.

Brenda Rodgers had 22,722 votes to Brian Pollock’s 18,282 votes when all precincts were counted.

Pollock has worked at the clerk’s office for nine years. He is a licensed attorney, and served one term on the county board.

Rodgers, a real estate agent, previously ran for recorder of deeds.

The winner faces incumbent Republican Jack Cunningham in November. Cunningham has been clerk since 2002. Cunningham was unopposed in the primary.

Rodgers had questioned Pollock about his job title, because he said he was chief of staff. She pointed out the county payroll lists him as “alternative language coordinator.” She said if elected, she would improve communication with Kane County residents about the office’s duties, and go out in the community to urge people to vote.

Pollock said he had worked on several initiatives, including helping to write state legislation for the expansion of early voting and vote by mail. He also traveled to other jurisdictions to examine voting systems, when the clerk’s office was considering buying a new system.

Pollock said he would like to start a residents’ academy to teach people about the duties of the office.

The clerk’s office runs elections. It also prepares property tax extensions, accepts passport applications, issues marriage licenses and stores birth, death and marriage records.