McHenry County Drug Court graduates 5

This morning's Northwest Herald announced the first graduation ceremony of the new McHenry County Drug Court.

Of the first 53 participants in the program, five graduated last night. The Court's program, probably similar to that of the Mental Health Court, is rigorous. It is designed to support participants in recovery and getting back on the straight and narrow path.

I had missed any announcement of the ceremony, but I was in Niles for an 8:00PM meeting and would not have attended, as I know no one in the program.

What did totally surprise me (well, maybe not) was the photo of the Undersheriff in this morning's paper. In the three years that I've attended hearings and graduation ceremonies of the Mental Health Court (as an observer), never once did I see the Undersheriff.

Of course, now it's pre-election season, and I'm sure newspaper readers can expect the Northwest Herald to do its part to push the Undersheriff on the good folks of the County. Are the other candidates now going to have to anticipate similar photo ops and make sure they show up?

The graduation ceremony should not be politicized, and the Undersheriff's appearance for a photo op deserves careful thought.

The Undersheriff and the Sheriff's Department have nothing to do with the operation of the Court. Why didn't the paper spotlight those who work so hard to help the participants succeed - the nurse, probation officer, social worker, specialty court administrator, the Assistant State's Attorneys who represent so many clients in the specialty courts, and Judge Charles Weech.