Ken Kaupas: Candidate Profile

Back to Will County Sheriff

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: ShorewoodWebsite: kenkaupasforsheriff.comOffice sought: Will County Sheriff Age: 55Family: Married to my wife Shelly for 17 years. Two children.Occupation: Deputy Chief, Will County Sheriff's OfficeEducation: Bachelor of Science, 1980 Western Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Shorewood Police and Fire Commission - ChairmanElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I am running for the office to first serve the citizens of Will County. I have been a police officer for over 30 years, currently I serve a Deputy Chief here at the Sheriff's Office. As a member of the Illinois State Police I achieved the rank of Captain and served as a District Commander,Investigative Zone Commander and as a Bureau Chief in Springfield. I am motivated to run for this office so that I can continue to build upon the professionalism and successes of those who have held the office of Sheriff in past administrations.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?Neither I nor my opponent is the incumbent office holder. However, I am the only candidate in this race that has the true executive level experience necessary to successfully oversee this agency. The Will County Sheriff's Office is the largest work unit in Will County Government, with the largest budget. The office of Sheriff requires the experience and skills associated with such a large and diverse mission.What crime should be the department's top target. Drugs? Gang violence? Child sex abuse? Something else? Why? What steps will you take to address the priorities as you see them?Drug enforcement will remain the highest priority for the Sheriff's Office under my watch. The sale of illicit drugs eats away at the very fiber of our community. Those involved in the drug trade commit many serious crimes, from homicides to burglaries. Those who purchase illicit drugs also impact our quality of life by committing thefts, shop lifting and burglaries. We will continue to be a leader in drug enforcement and at the same time continue our role in such worthy programs as the HERO/HELPS educational program here in Will County.Describe your position regarding the allocation of resources in the sheriff's office. Are personnel allocated as they should be? Are there capital expense or other budgetary items that the office must address, and, if so, how do you propose to address them?Police resource allocation is a serious issue in both patrol and at the Will County Adult Detention Facility. I plan on conducting a comprehensive analysis of crime data and calls for service to determine proper staffing levels associated with the patrol functions. The ADF issue requires the approval of the County Board to hire Correctional Deputies. I will also work with the Board to develop a cost effective, realistic plan to build a new sheriff's facility which will address many issues within the department.Name one concrete program you'll create or personnel move you'll make to improve efficiency in the department or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.My highest priority as Sheriff will be to provide the citizens of Will County the highest professional police service in the most cost effective manner. To do so we will look at our staffing levels, our calls for service and the departments pro-active contacts. This constant analysis will provide us with a blueprint for better service. I will ensure that the Deputies are highly trained and have the tools to serve the citizens. Funding this project is minimal. A new sheriff's facility can and will be realized without placing an extra tax burden on our citizens.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe the people of Will County deserve a dedicated, well trained and educated individual to lead the Sheriff's Office. I have served with honor and commitment as a police professional for over 30 years. Crime really does not care what political affiliation the Sheriff embraces, this race is about competency, professionalism, and leadership.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I have to go back to Ronald Regan. He was a great communicator, who instilled pride and a vision with the people.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lessons I learned at home while growing up was to never quit, always do your best, and to respect yourself.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't have any regrets.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History was my favorite subject in school. I think understanding history is a tremendous aid in not repeating mistakes.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?My advice to my children has been to always be true to yourself.