For McHenry sheriff, GOP: Zinke

The race for McHenry County sheriff comes with some controversy, with apparent conflict between the department's existing leadership and the state's attorney's office, and with accusations of low morale among deputies. Regardless of how much of this is true, the choice for the Republican nomination to replace Sheriff Keith Nygren is clear. Undersheriff Andrew Zinke is the candidate who's thoroughly knowledgeable about operations of the sheriff's office and the county, and he is well-practiced as a manager and political leader. Opponent Bill Prim, a former commander with the Des Plaines Police Department, is making the accusations of low morale and contends the department's budget keeps growing despite a declining jail population, but it's unclear how accurate all his claims are. Meanwhile, he's short on ideas for the department. Zinke recently got his MBA, and in talking about department operations can appear to talk coldly about personnel. Nevertheless, with his experience and education, he is well-equipped to become sheriff. Zinke is endorsed.