Endorsement: Jacobson for DuPage coroner

A science or health-related background is a welcome attribute for a county coroner, but the job really involves more administrative and organization skills, both in upholding legal requirements of the office and in managing the medical professionals responsible for the direct work involved with investigating and reporting deaths.

With that in mind, we find Jeffrey M. Jacobson, of Downers Grove, an especially appealing candidate for the Democratic nomination for DuPage County coroner on March 19.

An attorney who also serves as general counsel for the DuPage County Forest Preserve, Jacobson has an authoritative approach to the workings of the coroner’s office and a well-prepared mindset for the operational needs of the coroner’s office.

He also boasts important community service activities — as a member of the Downers Grove Liquor Commission, treasurer of the county bar association, past president of DuPage Inn of Court and co-president of the Downers Grove North High School PTO — that, although unrelated to the specific duties of the coroner, could nonetheless stand him in good stead as preparation for the office and as indicators of his potential for success in it.

His opponent, Judith Lukas, of Winfield, does have a health background as a registered nurse. She displays a capable knowledge of the duties and functions of the coroner’s office, and offers creative ideas for managing it. She has political experience as a Winfield Township trustee and precinct committeeperson.

But Jacobson is the candidate with the strongest background and leadership potential for an office of this nature, an important consideration since whoever wins the primary will face an experienced incumbent in Republican Richard Jorgensen come November. We find Jacobson is best suited for that task, and he gets our endorsement for the Democratic primary for coroner.