PRESS RELEASE
As many of you may have heard by now, the opposing political party has challenged the petitions I turned in for the upcoming primary. Choosing to continue to concentrate on the day-to-day duties of being the Lake County Coroner, I have withdrawn my petitions for the March 2016 primary. This decision does not change the fact that my experience as a licensed physician ensures a coroner with the confidence and knowledge to make decisions based on sound medical science instead of politics.
My record as Lake County Coroner speaks for itself. Over the past three years, there have been several controversial cases in which my medical knowledge and experience in knowing what to look for resulted in outcomes based solely on proven medical evidence. Specifically, the Darrin Hanna case, the Zion, Illinois case, the Fox Lake Gliniewicz case, and the decision pending on the Melissa Calusinski case would not have had their outcomes without my due diligence. In each instance, after presenting my findings, I was vilified; but the determinations I made and the findings I presented early on were all ultimately verified or led to consideration of a new trial.
I believe that my petitions were challenged because of these cases, my unwillingness to accept Lake County politics, and the positive relationships I have established, including in the minority communities, which frightened some who seek to maintain the status quo of lifelong Lake County politicos.
This is not the first time we have seen voters not having a candidate available to them on their ballot. In the 1960s’ we fought to protect voting rights in all communities and to ensure that all minorities were not disenfranchised (Voting Rights Act of 1965). It is ironic that 50 years later these rights are being trod on in Lake County. I never imagined that we would have to fight a similar battle in 2015.
I have great pride in my performance as Lake County Coroner, and I will continue to serve all the citizens of Lake County.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to continuing to work for you as Lake County Coroner in 2016.
Thomas Rudd