Our endorsement for Kane County treasurer: Jeffrey Pripusich

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

More than two years after deciding not to seek a third term as Kane County Board chairman, Chris Lauzen is running for the important but less visible job of county treasurer.

Lauzen, an Aurora Republican, is facing Democrat Jeffrey Pripusich of North Aurora for the treasurer position. The office is responsible for collecting taxes, paying the county's bills and investing its money.

Both candidates have a lot of professional experience. Pripusich has worked in corporate accounting for 37 years, including 25 years in management. Lauzen is a certified public accountant who ran a small accounting and tax firm.

While Pripusich has never held public office, Lauzen served 20 years in the state Senate before becoming county board chairman. But Lauzen had a contentious two terms as chairman, including public fights with fellow Republicans.

Our concern is that Lauzen would clash with other elected officials as treasurer. He says he would serve as a spending watchdog. That's a role better suited to an office that establishes policy on how to spend tax dollars.

Pripusich says he would seek to be a "positive presence" in the office. And while there's "room for improvement," he said he would work with the staff to make changes.

Hearing Pripusich talk about teamwork and collaboration is refreshing.

Pripusich is endorsed.