A DeKalb attorney announced plans Tuesday to run as a democrat for DeKalb County states attorney.

Jerry Shapiro began his campaign with an announcement to about 50 supporters who attended a “campaign kickoff” at Pizza Villa, 824 W. Lincoln Hwy.

“Voters … have shown they will look at the qualifications of each candidate. I’m the person who holds the best qualifications for state’s attorney,” Shapiro said.

“I have been an attorney for nine years,” Shapiro said. Experience as an attorney included “all types of law,” he said.

Shapiro said he also held public office in the past, including DeKalb city attorney. “(Voters) need a person who has the administrative skills to run one of the most important offices in the county,” he said.

Shapiro said if elected he will “insure the (State’s Attorney’s) Office will be responsive to the needs of the county. We (supporters) need to go directly to the people.”

Shapiro did not comment on specific issues. He said, “Issues will be identified in the next year.” He said he also plans to take a “close look” at the record of his opponent.

No candidates have announced plans to run against Shapiro in the democratic primary. However, First Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Coghlan announced plans to run as a republican against Shapiro in the general election.

Winning the election “is going to take a lot of hard work,” Shapiro said. He said he plans to campaign by meeting people in “all areas” of the county. He said he has met “thousands” of people in the county and plans to meet more. “I will knock on doors in every part of the county,” he said.

Shapiro said people should know their state’s attorney. He said if community members know they can talk to the state’s attorney, the office “can function more efficiently.”

John Morreale, chairman of the NIU Young Democrats, said the campus group will work as “foot soldiers” for Shapiro’s campaign by dropping literature and posting signs on campus. “I know Jerry (Shapiro) would be a great candidate,” he said.

Morreale, who also is the campaign chairman for County Circuit Clerk candidate Linda Finn, said the Young Democrats will be attempting to register NIU students to vote. “Starting second semester, the Young Democrats will have a massive registration (effort),” he said.

County Clerk and Recorder Terry Desmond also endorsed Shapiro for state’s attorney. “We have in his (Shapiro’s) candidacy an excellent representative for the democratic party,” he said.