A 52-year-old Oswego firefighter and former deputy coroner plans to run against Coroner Ken Toftoy as an independent.
Mike Dabney, of Oswego, is circulating petitions to run again after an unsuccessful bid against Toftoy in the 2008 Republican primary. Toftoy, who also is chairman of the Kendall County Republican Central Committee, has served as coroner since 1992, according to his profile on the county’s website.
Dabney said he decided to run as an independent shortly after the 2008 race to give more voters more options on the ballot.
“There were a lot of people who came up to me and said, ‘I would have voted for you, but you ran as a Republican,’” Dabney said.
He needs to collect and submit 1,540 signatures by June 25 to get on the ballot.
If elected, Dabney said he would do most of the coroner’s office call-outs, especially those during the week, himself. He also is dedicated to providing community education on topics such as CPR, the danger of senior citizens overmedicating and motorcycle safety.
“I truly want to be coroner to be coroner,” Dabney said. “I don’t want to be GOP president, or Democrat president. I don’t need a raise. I don’t need any more money than what the job offers at this point. I believe it’s a privilege to serve.”
Toftoy did not immediately return calls for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Dabney served as a deputy coroner from 2002 to 2008. He also worked for the Aurora Police Department for 27 years, the last 13 as a crime scene investigator.
He presently is a full-time firefighter/paramedic/investigator for the Oswego Fire Protection District, a crime scene instructor for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage, and an instructor for a fire investigator module at the College of DuPage.
Remember Toftoy came out of the Oswego Fire Dept Program also. Steak fry's and beer parties on the taxpayer dime.
Pine Ridge Clubhouse, 401 Pine Ridge Dr. North, Osweg (west of Orchard Rd. / Mill Rd., Oswego, Il.) on Friday, May 18, 2012, from noon until 4pm. If anyone is interested in signing a petion or just talking with me I would be happy to meet with them during this time. Thank you for your interest.
PS -- yes. I'm married to a firefighter. An honest hardworking one with integrity and who works his butt off for the profession he loves and lives for. Just like Mr. Dabney has done on the Oswego FD. Also, Mr. Dabney should not have to quit instructing. Without teachers, in any profession, where would those that need to learn be?
Mr. Dabney seems ready to look for ways to help Kendall County save money. Mr. Toftoy seems intent on looking for ways to extract more from the taxpayer's pockets. It's time for a change and its time to send a message that the extravagant spending MUST STOP!
Mr. Dabney has a diverse background which offers a broad range of experiences to bring to the table that most people do not have. Between his police investigations and fire service experience alone, he has training, knowledge and exposure most never will. Add on that he is an instructor and all of the required continuing education that comes along with all jobs...how can he not be a good choice? He is honest and wants the job for the simple reason of being able to DO THE JOB and DO IT WELL. Mr. Toftoy has taken decades of a job that requires a dedication to both the community and the job itself and tarnished it. He states he has no baggage to hide, yet he has been dishonest, unethical, flamboyant and has abused his position to sweep his lack of moral fiber behavior under the rug. Not only has he abused and taken advantage of his position, but so have some of the people working for him. Mr. Toftoy states he has no baggage to hide but I disagree 100%. Baggage and suitcases packed so full they are ready to explode are two different things. He should be hopeful one of his doesn't burst open and expose some of that deception and dishonesty. Mr. Toftoy and his "baggage" or Mr. Dabney and his "employment". What is the lesser of two evils here?