Endorsement: Kramer for Kane County sheriff

Donald Kramer and Kevin Williams, the Republican candidates for Kane County sheriff, have both been in the serve-and-protect business for decades. Kramer retired as a lieutenant in 2009 after 30 years at the sheriff's office, while Williams is a lieutenant and a 22-year veteran of the office. Both are in their mid-50s, live in Geneva and have lost elections by less than 3,000 votes to Sheriff Pat Perez. Both are decorated officers. Residents would be well served by either. We give Kramer - the son of George Kramer, the county's top cop from 1978 to 1986 - the edge. While Williams could hit the ground running, Kramer has the backing of the current undersheriff and his time away from the department has allowed him to talk extensively with citizens to hear their concerns. He describes his plans that can have measurable success. Kramer and Williams believe education can help address the increasing problem of heroin use. In addition to educating parents, Kramer would promote the area's after-school programs and encourage parents to get their kids involved with activities beyond sports. Kramer has more proactive strategies on how to prevent suicides (two in less than two years) at the county jail. His command-level know-how has been developed from a strong skill set plus advanced education. Kramer is endorsed.