Former DeKalb County State's Attorney
Richard Schmack endorses Chuck!

Richard Schmack, who served as DeKalb County State’s Attorney from 2012 until 2016, has endorsed Chuck Rose in the race for that position this fall.

Schmack has worked with Rose in a number of capacities since they first met in 1985.

“Back then I was a prosecutor, and Chuck was a Sheriff’s Deputy, I found him to be a skilled officer and an excellent witness.”

Rose’s background in law enforcement makes Rose unique, says Schmack.

“To my knowledge, Chuck would be the first former police officer to serve as DeKalb County State’s Attorney,” says Schmack. “That will be a tremendous help to him as he advises police departments on investigations and teaches them about new laws. You can talk with police and go on “ride alongs” all you want but there is really no substitute for the type of experience that Chuck got in his eight years protecting the people of DeKalb County.”

Even more impressive to Schmack is Rose’s background as a prosecutor for nearly nine years.

“When I became a defense attorney and encountered Chuck in the courtroom, I found him to be not only a skilled and dedicated prosecutor, but also an ethical and thoughtful courtroom opponent,” Schmack said.

“I know of no first-time candidate for the job who has had nearly as much prosecutorial experience as Chuck,” he says. “When you are a prosecutor, you make 40 or 50 decisions every day that directly impact people’s lives, and there is no substitute for that experience, so Chuck will be up to the job.”

Beyond that, Schmack says, Rose’s history of involvement in the community and his work on behalf of those most in need of assistance demonstrate that he has the right character for the job.

“Whether through his work with the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission or his pro bono work for agencies like CASA and Hope Haven, Chuck has proven that he will stand up for those in most need,” Schmack said. “He has also served the community by sitting on or leading a number of boards, including the DeKalb County Mental Health Board and the Youth Service Bureau. These are things he did from the heart, not because he wanted to get elected, but because he cares about our community.”

In sum, says Schmack, it is clear to him who is the best person for DeKalb State’s Attorney.

“He is by far the most qualified candidate in this campaign and will do a wonderful job working for the people of DeKalb County,” Schmack says.