After meeting and researching Mike Nerheim, I want to say what I know to be true about Mike Nerheim.

Mike won the primary by the overwhelming vote of the people by more than double, regardless of political party, all across Lake County. He believes the office of State’s Attorney should be, as he is, committed to justice, fairness and fighting public corruption.

Although technically running as a Republican, Mike Nerheim is politically independent, and has REFUSED ANY CONTRIBUTION FROM ANY POLITICAL PARTY! He has always believed that "Politics have no place in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office" and "The State's Attorney's office should reflect impartiality toward all people, across all party lines."

Mike WILL restore public trust to the office, and WILL be tough on crime in Lake County! Mike will succeed because of his EXPERIENCE, INDEPENDENT POLITICAL STANCE, and INTEGRITY.

He will introduce an Alternative Prosecution Program (2nd chance program) for first-time, non-violent offenders, giving people a second chance to do good in society.

These offenders will complete community service, attend drug treatment/rehab/classes (if needed), pay restitution, receive counseling. This will keep them out of the court system and free up time at the State's Attorney's office for work on serious crimes. If the offender completes the program successfully, the offense will be expunged, and the person will not have a 'record' following them around for the rest of their lives!

Mike's education and credentials are impeccable! He has extensive trial experience on both sides of the law - as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney - with the ability to view both sides to ensure fairness, integrity and justice.

He is licensed to practice in both the Federal and State courts, is a current faculty member of Columbia College, lectures on the laws of 'evidence' in both criminal and civil cases, and on DNA. He has successfully used DNA evidence in prosecution of criminal sexual assault.

Mike has experience handling complex civil litigation and municipal law. This includes, while as a prosecutor: traffic, violence, felony, drugs, domestic misdemeanor and juvenile. He's been appointed by the courts to investigate post-conviction issues to protect indigent defendants constitutional rights, and as conflict counsel for indigent defendants.

EDUCATION & HONORS: Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois; Deans List. Bachelor of Science, double major: Criminal Justice and Psychology, Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota; Vice President of Winona State University Legislative Affairs Committee; Internships with Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Division during both undergraduate and law school.

BAR ASSOCIATIONS: Lake County Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; American Bar Association

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Mike is active in the community as a longstanding Teen Court Judge in Warren Township, Vice President of Lake County Bar Foundation and Advisory Council member for Staben House (which provides transitional housing for homeless women and children), an attorney for the Police Commission, a partner in a Lake County law firm and local business, Judge for college and university mock trial tournaments with participants from across the U.S., has demonstrated leadership and business experience, restored vacant landmark building in Waukegan’s historic district, awarded Certificate of Honor for outstanding support and stewardship of an historical property by the Waukegan Historical Society, co-sponsored Artspace Karcher Lofts fund-raiser for the Lake County Bar Association, and is a lifelong resident of Lake County.

ENDORSEMENTS:

The Chicago Tribune (primary and general election)

The Daily Herald (primary and general election)

Mike has wide-spread endorsements of federal, state and local law enforcement, including Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, Fraternal Order of Police Waukegan Lodge 5, Waukegan Police Benevolent & Protective Association, Lake County Sheriff’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66, Waukegan Firefighters IAFF Local 473, The United Hellenic Voters of America, many well known and highly respected attorneys, retired judges, etc.

Mike WILL restore public trust to the office, and WILL be tough on crime! He WILL bring REAL change, by preventing wrongful convictions, and eradicating the threat of gangs, guns and drugs in our communities!

MIKE NERHEIM IS THE CLEAR CHOICE for State's Attorney of Lake County!

Pam Pavlik

Grayslake

About this column: Readers weigh in. Submissions should include your name and hometown, which will be published, as well as your contact information, for verification purposes. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not that of Patch or its staff.