Dupage Policy Journal

Candidate for DuPage County Chairman Greg Hart recently noted on a podcast that crime is piling over into DuPage County.

"[Crime] is happening everywhere now. And it’s not just crime, it’s violent crime. We have got to get a hold on it…Unfortunately, a lot of the spillover has been happening because of choices made by elected officials in Cook County," Hart said in a webcast hosted by the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans. "What I want to do as County Board Chairman is to make sure our Sheriff and our State’s Attorney have the resources they need to successfully prosecute and stop criminals from executing their plans out in DuPage County." 

Hart, a county board member and candidate for DuPage County Chairman Greg, has vowed to go after local crime if elected. 

"If you come to DuPage County to commit a violent crime, you will be prosecuted," Hart said.

In the webcast, Hart again noted his support for the state’s law enforcement community. 

"I also want to make it more possible for our Sheriff and law enforcement agencies to attract and retain talent…I want to give our law enforcement officers the tools they need to do their jobs because I believe that is a big reason people choose to live out here," Hart said.

Hart noted Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, who in 2016 got rid of cash bail and has been engaged in selective prosecution, is responsible for the higher crime rates in the area. 

State Democrats last year passed legislation that would get rid of cash bail statewide in 2023. 

The crime problem came to a head this past Christmas when two gunmen opened fire in the Oakbrook Mall.

Shoppers cowered in stores after four were shot, unsure whether the incident was larger than just the two Chicago men shooting at each other in the crowded shopping center.

Law enforcement leaders in DuPage, including Sheriff Jim Mendrick and former Illinois Chiefs of Police President Jim Kruger, have endorsed Greg Hart.