And she had worked as chief of staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, helping administer a $4 billion budget. And those misgivings? She should have pledged that next time, she'd wrap up the state investigation as fast as possible and, if appropriate, promptly file charges. Read the full editorial here. I was exhausted., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. In the post, DeVore wrote, Lord help us with the window lickers, I mean special children. After the post was widely shared, DeVore filed a libel suit in 2017 against three people, alleging they had falsely accused him of ridiculing children with special needs. The victim and witnesses described the car used in the shooting and its license plate, which police learned was stolen a couple of days earlier, according to a police report included in the police case file. The need to bridge that disconnect between Chicago communities and their police officers is one of several reasons we're hoping for a fresh start at state's attorney. But not his teammates. [[Dont miss] Election 2022: What Illinois races do you care most about and what issues are important to you? So financial acumen is a must, and both candidates bring strong money oversight credentials to the race. In that context, its entirely believable that the increase in dropped felony cases during her term is to a great extent the product of forces outside her control. For now, reports Crain's Greg Hinz Endorsement: . In the Illinois Supreme Courts Third District, which picks up Will and Kankakee counties, Democrat Justice Thomas Kilbride is on the ballot for retention to a 10-year term. Lausch, however, took over in a hyperpartisan era and had to navigate a number of thorny issues, many of which arose from Trumps constant trolling of Chicago on Twitter over issues such as gun violence and immigration. In that primary race we endorsed Democrat Kim Foxx, who had spent 12 years as an assistant state's attorney, mostly in juvenile court. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. There's heightened public scrutiny of street stops, arrests, charging decisions, judges who slow-walk cases, and insufficient state penalties for repeat gun offenders the list goes on. The State's Attorney Office works to uphold public safety through the fair and efficient administration of justice. Officers including Vasquez-Lasso encountered someone who was chasing a woman down the street with a gun, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown said late Wednesday. Following the main prayer, a group of about 20 people formed a circle, grasped a long, bright blue streamer and held a light. WBEZ news coverage of the mayor's race and more from the 2023 municipal elections. Elections are opportunities to evaluate the needs of the times and of the citizens who write their public servants' paychecks. How rigorously oversight boards pursue accusations of officer misconduct. But as violent crime rates rise, citizens, too, will have to do more especially to help police and prosecutors find perpetrators and put them away. She has to try to unseat Tammy Duckworth, a heroic American who was awarded the Purple Heart after she lost her right leg and much of her left leg during her military service in Iraq in 2004, when the Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by a grenade. Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia now has the endorsements of both U.S. senators from Illinois. The board noted that Congressman Chuy Garcia's platform was too vague to issue an endorsement, while noting they were troubled by his associations with former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. In addition to the public corruption probes, Lausch has earned a reputation for going after Chicagos street gangs, which hed done previously as an assistant U.S. attorney under Fitzgerald. Ms. Mosby came into office complaining her predecessor was too soft on crime, yet she hasnt proven herself any better at securing convictions. DeVore has chosen to not take part in the Tribunes endorsement process, but that doesnt really matter. Printable PDF guides available on the right side bar or see bottom of page on your phone. Alvarez's wordy non-answers to that question did nothing to quash the impression that she slow-walked this case, hoping for a joint news conference with the U.S. attorney when he finished his (still-unfinished) probe. Its seven justices serve 10-year terms, with three of the justices chosen by Cook County voters. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. He knows the system. With respect for Alvarez's long service and also for the third candidate in the race, Donna More, the Tribune gives Kim Foxx its endorsement. Lausch was sworn in as U.S. attorney on Nov. 22, 2017, two weeks after being confirmed by unanimous voice vote in the Senate. Today we endorse Kim Foxx for the same good reasons, and with the same two concerns, as we did before the primary. We will never forget his selflessness and dedication as we continue to wrap our arms around his family and loved ones. The clear and present dangers of intrusion from county pols run from patronage to policy to principle.. Later in the day, lawmakers in Springfield paused for a moment of silence. He faces bribery charges in connection with the states notorious red-light camera scandal, and has entered a not guilty plea. We think Foxx, by contrast, in time would rebuild the public's trust. Judge O'Malley began her legal career as an assistant state's attorney in Baltimore County, spending a decade in the criminal courts, prosecuting cases involving drug conspiracy, murders,. But not his teammates. But the top job of state's attorney involves many other skills: judgment about law enforcement priorities and conduct; frank and comfortable communication with the public; administration of a big and vital office that, like all of county government, will have to get smaller as pension costs crush budgets. They remark on Pritzker's inability to stand up to Democrats, particularly their tax-and-spend mentality contributing to the exodus of families leaving the state. When were looking at the drivers of violence, weve seen a lot of it relate to turf and social media and retaliation upon retaliation. I personally went over last night to the 8th District, he told the Tribune. Our second concern has been whether Foxx wants to be a crime-buster or public defender (actually an appointed post). Brown told reporters Wednesday outside Mount Sinai Hospital that the officer was shot multiple times.. Read the full editorial here. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. Former Secretary of State Jesse White, left, shakes hands with mayoral candidate Paul Vallas after announcing his endorsement for Vallas, March 2, 2023, in Chicago. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul speaks at a campaign event on Aug. 25, 2022, at a Jackson County Democrats dinner in Murphysboro. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Alvarez came under fire amid the Laquan McDonald scandal. The editorial board makes these recommendations based on the evaluations of major bar associations, including the Chicago Council of Lawyers, interviews with judges and attorneys who know the work of the candidates, and information provided by the candidates to the board. During a debate at the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Democratic candidate for Cook County state's attorney Kim Foxx and Republican candidate Christopher Pfannkuche address how the Laquan McDonald case degraded the integrity of theoffice. We endorse a no vote. And more. Lausch, 52, who hails from Joliet and currently lives in Chicagos Beverly neighborhood, captained the 1987 state champion Joliet Catholic football team and was a linebacker and team captain at Harvard University. The reckoning the department is now going through as a result of its legacy of unconstitutional policing and the diminished trust city residents have for the force were born of policies and practices that long predated her. Under Frerichs, Bright Start has gone from one of the nations worst-rated college savings programs to one of the best it has gotten a Gold rating from independent investment analysis firm Morningstar for five successive years. Alden Global Capital, the hedge fund that owns the Tribune, announced that its nearly 200 papers will no longer endorse major political candidates. Nine sitting or recent members of the Illinois General Assembly have been charged with federal crimes since 2019. First, she has been endorsed by her former boss, Preckwinkle, and the county Democratic organization. Matt Foley, the pastor of St. Gall Church,led the procession to the scene Thursday morning, carrying the Blessed Sacrament while a crowd of mourners followed him to pay respects and sanctify the ground where Vasquez-Lasso was fatally shot. Pfannkuche would need a No. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. . The McDonald case gave Alvarez an opportunity to display sound judgment. In 2008 and again in 2012, we endorsed Anita Alvarez for Cook County state's attorney. In the Illinois Supreme Court's Third District, which picks up Will and Kankakee counties, Democrat Justice Thomas Kilbride is on the ballot for retention to a 10-year term. If the treasurer is Illinois primary investment manager, the comptroller is the states main bill payer, with control over Springfields checking account. A rosary is among the items filling a memorial for slain Chicago police Officer Andrs Mauricio Vsquez Lasso along the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue, March 3, 2023. The board added that incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot is their second choice and the candidate they feel should face Vallas in a potential runoff election. But not his teammates. The mayor said Lausch assured her an influx of law enforcement would be working collaboratively with Chicago cops against violent crime. Privacy | 2 who could emphasize the hurt in poor neighborhoods. Thats when police began pursuing him, and shots were exchanged at close range between the suspect and Vasquez-Lasso, Brown said. Chicago police officers place blue ribbons on trees outside District 8 Chicago Lawn Police Station on March 2, 2023, in honor of police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso who was fatally shot the night before. For years, we have argued candidates running for state attorney general should carve out a bigger role in tackling corruption in Illinois politics. She sounds to us as if, presented with the same facts, she might make the same judgments again.