Issue date: 10/28/08 Section: News

Todd Reardon (top), Paul Komada (middle) and Steve Ferguson (bottom) responded to community members' concerns at the state's attorney debate at St. Charles Borromeo Church Thursday evening. Reardon, a Green Party candidate, is running against Komada, a Republican, and Democratic incumbent Ferguson for the Coles County state's attorney position. (All photos by Alycia Rockey | Daily Eastern News)

The Coles County candidates for state's attorney and county coroner are revving up their campaigns as the Nov. 4 deadline to vote approaches. Candidates from the Democratic, Republican and Green parties vie for the two positions in the county's closest races.

"I think it's up to the voters to decide if they want to elect me as state's attorney," said Todd Reardon, Green Party candidate for state's attorney, who has practiced as a defense attorney in Coles County for more than 10 years. "I know I am fighting an uphill battle against a Democrat and Republican, but I am fighting for my chance as Coles County state's attorney."

Reardon is running against Democratic incumbent Steve Ferguson, who is hoping to win his fifth consecutive term as the state's attorney in Coles County, and Republican nominee Paul Komada, who served as the Coles County state's attorney from 1974 to 1980. Komada and Reardon, each who hold enough clout to keep the race close, counter Ferguson's campaign.

"I know I can do a better job than what is being done in currently in the state's attorney office," Komada said. "The state's attorney office needs an organized and effective management."

Ferguson's defends his 16-year tenure with highlighted convictions and emphasis on experience. Issues raised concerning salaries, budget expenditures and case delays can be answered by streamlining the office, said Ferguson.

However, Komada and Reardon urge change, which they argue hasn't been instituted at any point during Ferguson's tenure.

"I bring a unique perspective from a defense standpoint, something none of the other candidates have," Reardon said.

Ferguson, however, said he stands on the facts as proof of change in the office the last 16 years.

"During my tenure in office, felony filings have more than doubled, prison sentences have been imposed for the most deserving and restitution collected for victims has exceeded more than $2 million," he said.

Each of the candidates has sponsored opportunities from non-partisan entities to address their platforms at campaign forums.

Differences between the candidates' ideals for the office of state's attorney surfaced in each of these debates, including the controversial issue of the state's attorney pursuing the death penalty as maximum punishment.

"We might not all agree on all the issues, but that's the point of campaigning," said Reardon, who opposes the death penalty, while his two opponents stand by its use because of Illinois law.

In the race for Coles County coroner, Democratic incumbent Mike Nichols faces opposition from two opponents, Republican Ed Schniers and Green Party candidate Michael Snow. At the last forum held by the Coles County League of Women Voters on Thursday night, Nichols was not present due to illness. Snow was also absent, but no reason was cited. Neither could be reached for comment.

Schniers, however, was given the opportunity to introduce himself and describe his platform, though he could not debate because he was the only Coles County coroner candidate who attended.

"Nichols may have very well been ill and could not attend tonight," Schniers said of Nichols' absence from the forum. "But I think the voters lose out on the importance of the election when we don't show for them."

Schniers also said that Snow's absence was typical of his campaign.

"He hasn't attended a single forum since he announced his campaign, so I don't know how serious of a candidate he is," he said.

All three state's attorney candidates expressed disappointment over the lack of commitment from other office candidates to the political forums held in Coles County.

"This is when the voters lose," Reardon said, "Candidates should take these forums seriously."

Schniers and Nichols have debated previously, discussing an emphasis on sensitivity for the families of victims as well as experience behind the position. A main criticism of Schniers is his lack of experience with the coroner's office. Nichols has more than 20 years experience in the office.



Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7942 or at ksmoya@eiu.edu.

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