Republican congressional candidate Robert Dold of Kenilworth went on a ride-along with Waukegan police this week, seeking to learn more about the city he hopes to represent.
"Waukegan is certainly the largest city in the district," said Dold, who is running for the 10th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park. "I know it's a diverse, hard-working blue-collar community that is proud of its history."
Dold, a Kenilworth resident, said he realizes he needs to increase his name recognition in northern areas like Waukegan to have success in the November general election, in which he faces Democrat Dan Seals of Wilmette.
In addition to meeting with Waukegan Police Chief Artis Yancey and some of the department's officers, he said he has also met with Hispanic leaders and representatives of the Black Chamber of Commerce.
Dold said he knows Waukegan has both problems and successes, and that he likes what he's seen so far.
Dold accompanied members of the Waukegan Police Department's Neighborhood Enforcement Team as they served arrest warrants Wednesday night as part of the department's crack down on gangs and drugs.
He said that in one warrant sweep Wednesday prior to his ride-along, officers seized two ounces of cocaine and arrested three alleged gang members.
"I'm impressed with the quality of the guys out there and what they are doing," Dold said, adding that the officials are getting the word out that "the Waukegan Police Department is going to be tough on gangs and drugs."
Dold said he is disappointed with the prior city administration's decision to walk away from federal funding to help clean up Waukegan Harbor, and that like Kirk, he would make lakefront cleanup and revitalization in the city one of his priorities if elected.
Dold is the owner of a small business, Rose Pest Solutions, located in Northfield.
