Sting coverage showed poor editorial judgment

While I applaud the law enforcement efforts of our fine Kane County police officers, let me be the first to register my disappointment and disillusionment at the choice of the front page cover story for the Sept. 25 issue. Featuring an African-American getting arrested on the front page and then again being placed in a police car on Page Five reinforces an offensive and incendiary racial stereotype.

Not only do I question the editorial primacy of this particular story, I question the choice to display a three-quarter page photo of an African-American at the center of a suspended license “sting,” not once but twice.

In the U.S., I must believe that hundreds of thousands of citizens of all races have suspended licenses on a daily basis. I myself have had a suspended license in the past because of lost paperwork, but would I, a white suburban mother, well-dressed and spoken, be presented to the reading public as an “offender”? I think we all know the answer to the question.

Bad judgment, Geneva Republican. Let us hope your unfortunate mistake was an issue of too much haste, and not indicative of subtle prejudice.

Carol Rich
Geneva

Township offers chance to meet the candidates

This is your chance to meet the men and women running for office. Some will be local, some will be state and some will be federal. All the candidates have been invited. This will be a good time to meet them face to face and ask those questions you wondered about.

We did this last year and had a very good turnout. Whatever your political persuasion, you should be able to find an interesting candidate to talk to. There will be no speeches.

Mark your calendar and come to the Crossings at Geneva on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. We are located at the intersection of Fischer and Heartland drives, right behind Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

For more information, call Dick Sharp at (630) 232-0411 or the Crossings Office at (630) 845-0591.

Remember to register to vote in plenty of time.

Richard Sharp
Geneva Township trustee

Former coroner endorses
Hickrod for the position

I had the honor of being elected to the office of Kane County coroner and holding that position for 22 years before resigning in 1999. I believe Stan Hickrod, running for Kane County coroner, has the experience, knowledge and desire which are vital to the position.

First, Stan is a graduate of the Chicago Police Academy and a veteran police officer. As coroner, I worked closely with and had great respect for my fellow law enforcement officers. Stan’s background includes investigating all types of deaths, which has helped to develop a strong foundation for the office of coroner.

Secondly, Stan is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. This background truly adds to his qualifications to be Kane County coroner. This experience provides the knowledge of the human body and medical understanding coupled with the abilities to guide families compassionately through their grief. His knowledge in this area is unique in that he can provide guidance to a family during a tragedy that will anticipate their needs while maintaining dignity with respect to their situation.

Finally, as a small business operator, Stan has the ability to direct an office, manage and control a budget within its limits, and supervise, train and assist personnel as needed. These combined experiences represent strong character and an ambitious personality which are imperative to administrate an elected office.

The position of coroner is definitely a balance of medical and law enforcement skills, which Stan Hickrod has clearly prepared for throughout life.

Stan Hickrod is without a doubt the best candidate to guide the Kane County coroner’s office with efficient budget control, effective leadership skills, restoring interagency relationships and professional care of families.

Please join me in supporting him and elect Stan Hickrod Kane County Coroner on Nov. 4.

Mary Lou Kearns
St. Charles