Coroner Candidate From South Elgin Will Throw Hat in the Ring Wednesday

Rob Russell will announce Wednesday that he's seeking the Republican nomination for Kane County coroner. He'll make the announcement at a press conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, in the downstairs Community Room at the PNC Bank, 2600 East Main St., St. Charles.

Russell brings almost 20 years of law enforcement experience to the office of coroner, according to a press release. His police background is on the county-government level and includes crime-scene investigation, death investigation, patrol, emergency disaster deployment, corrections, court security and community policing.

Russell has a master's degree in political and justice studies and a bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology.

Russell resides South Elgin with his wife and four children. He has previously run for for the GOP nomination in the Kane County Sheriff's race, conceding to Don Kramer last year.

Dr. Bob Tiballi, who ran against and and lost to Kane County Coroner Chuck West in previous elections, also has announced his canididacy in the March primary.

West has not announced whether he'll seek re-election.

West has been under fire in the courts and from public officials. He is defending himself against charges of for allowing an employee to take a TV from the Carpentersville home of a man who had died.

West also is  that claims he and deputies tried to "compel" a whistleblower to resign.

In late March, Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay .