DuPage Co. sheriff's deputy running for Kane sheriff

A South Elgin man launched his campaign for Kane County sheriff Thursday, pledging "more bang for the sheriff's buck."

Rob Russell, a DuPage County sheriff's deputy, said he believes the office currently held by Pat Perez "lacks the leadership and the vision it takes" to weather the weakened economy without additional resources.

"We need progressive leaders who are not afraid to face these challenges head-on," Russell said. "We need more bang for the sheriff's buck."

Russell, a Republican, announced his candidacy at a news conference on the steps of the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles, where about 30 supporters gathered. He and Perez, a Democrat, will face off in the November 2010 election if they each receive their party's nomination in the Feb. 2 primary.

Perez, who has been at odds with the county board over budget constraints he's struggled to meet, declined to comment Thursday on his first known competitor. "I will save my comments for when I know who is going to be my true opponent," said Perez, who was elected in 2007.

A DuPage County sheriff's deputy since 1993, Russell touted his experience in patrols, corrections and community police work as examples of his "broad-spectrum" background.

He proposed going line by line through the sheriff's budget to weed out unnecessary expenses, as well as "reviewing and reorganizing" supervisor positions to make the most of resources.

"The place to not cut back is our officers on the streets, what we call the thin blue line," he said. "That barrier must not be weakened."

Russell, 42, holds degrees in sociology and politics and justice, and has lived in Kane County for 12 years. He is a husband, father of four, and an adjunct professor at College of DuPage and Judson University.

Russell said he also would promote community policing strategies, including a possible volunteer program, and training for officers dealing with people who have special needs, among other projects, if elected.