Election primary: State's Attorney (Democrat)
Age: 32
Bio: Born and raised in Sycamore; graduated from Sycamore High School; attended DePaul University and double majored in political science and public relations; earned law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law; have been a public prosecutor entire career, including work at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit, the Cook County Special Prosecutor's Office, and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office; lives in DeKalb with husband Elie Chami and two children, Michael (3) and Norah (1).
Why are you seeking the office of State's Attorney?
The position of State's Attorney is an important one, one that critically impacts our lives everyday, although often from behind the scenes. An effective State's Attorney keeps our families and communities safe and secure, while delivering fair and just judgments against those who break the law. This community has given so much to me over the many years of my life. Being elected State's Attorney of DeKalb County allows me to give back to DeKalb County and to make this community a better place for my family and yours.
What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this primary?
This is my home, and I remember what this county was like when I grew up here. My training and experience allows me to work with all the citizens of DeKalb County to keep it as safe and secure for my children, as it was when I was growing up here. I have extensive courtroom prosecutorial experience. Current courtroom experience, which allows me to handle relevant criminal and civil issues facing our community. In my role as a supervising state's attorney, I was responsible for the management and training of new attorneys, and I had the opportunity to work with department heads, police agencies and advocacy groups on a daily basis.
If elected, what is your top priority?
My focus as the DeKalb County State's Attorney will be on issues that affect the family and our community. I will provide justice for victims, and firm but fair consequences for perpetrators. As State's Attorney, I will renew the fight against domestic violence by working to improve the services that the state's attorney's office provides to victims. I will be a public spokeswoman about the problem of domestic violence and forge partnerships with community-based advocacy groups. I also will place an enhanced focus on protecting women and children from dangerous sexual predators.
What, if any, changes need to be made to modernize the state's attorney's office?
Working within budgetary constraints, to integrate current and innovative law enforcement technologies, such as utilizing in-house investigative services and developing fundamental interaction with law enforcement officials. To develop close coordination with social service and mental health agencies. To generate outreach and prevention programs to promote safety in our schools and community.
The county has a drug court. Is there any other specialty court that should be established?
To create a veterans court by helping those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The court would link veterans with representatives from state and federal veterans' affairs departments and social and legal aid agencies who offer many services and help cut through red tape. To facilitate a juvenile diversion program that would provide a positive alternative to formal court processing for minor criminal offenses. This can be achieved by providing structured activities and community service, these programs communicate that choices do have consequences. Diversionary programs have been proven to be beneficial to the offenders it restores to society, and the tax payers it offers financial relief. Also, these programs relieve over-crowding in the jails and caseloads in the courtrooms.
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