Bill Prim: Candidate Profile

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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: CaryWebsite: www.primforsheriff.orgOffice sought: McHenry County Sheriff Age: 55Family: Son Hank, 19; daughter Ellie, 18.Occupation: Retired Police CommanderEducation: Attended Montana State Univ.; graduated Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command; Chicago Police Academy.Civic involvement: Committee Chairman, Des Plaines Police Department Explorer Post; Committee Chairman, Boy Scout Troop 957 (Cary); Assistant Coach, Cary Youth Soccer.Elected offices held: No political officeQuestions 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?As I said when I first announced my candidacy two years ago, the Sheriff's Office desperately needs to forge a new identity based firmly upon the principles of accountability; improved community relations; and a new emphasis on tapping volunteer enthusiasm. A related need was to repair broken relationships with other county officeholders. I still see my first task as repairing and restoring the image of the MCSO to that of a thoroughly professional law enforcement agency drawing its legitimacy and authority from the citizens. I believe I am the only candidate in the general election who can accomplish these goals.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?I have already articulated my priorities above. What I bring to the job is 27 years of law enforcement experience, starting the bottom and rising to the rank of Commander. I am known and respected in local, regional and national law enforcement circles. I graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the premier university program of its kind in the country. And I know the County and its people. They, in turn, have responded by backing me in a long and difficult election.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?It is difficult to state the "top target" for a general law enforcement agency like the MCSO. One area crying out for greater attention is heroin use, particularly among young people. I have experience fighting this particularly dangerous drug, which is why I was named McHenry County Representative to the Illinois State Crime Commission's Heroin Task Force. Our young people are finding it easy to access heroin, and some of them are paying the ultimate price for experimenting with it. Narcotics must be addressed through a three-pronged approach of enforcement, prevention and treatment. I intend to push all three.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?I have observed that the Sheriff's Office budget has increased significantly over the past five years with no notable improvement in service. One reason was too many high-level administrative positions that don't impact public safety, including several I identified. Already one has become vacant and it will stay vacant. So there will be cuts, but also increased revenue. In my career, I have been directly or indirectly responsible for $20 million in cash and goods diverted from the pockets of major criminals and placed into service to taxpayers. Asset forfeiture will be one of my top priorities.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.I have observed that the Sheriff's Office budget has increased significantly over the past five years with no notable improvement in service. One reason was too many high-level administrative positions that don't impact public safety, including several I identified. Already one has become vacant and it will stay vacant. So there will be cuts, but also increased revenue. In my career, I have been directly or indirectly responsible for $20 million in cash and goods diverted from the pockets of major criminals and placed into service to taxpayers. Asset forfeiture will be one of my top priorities.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Since commencing my campaign, I have met with and heard from many current Sheriff's Office employees. They have described a situation of desperately low morale. And there is objective data to support that in the form of the ballooning amount of medical leave and FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) time. There are direct and indirect costs to the county as a result. I will make one of my highest priorities the improvement of communications with employees and fostering an overall sense that our officers and civilians will be treated fairly and justly by the administration.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.People like Army Sgt. Ryan Pitts, recent Medal of Honor winner.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The Golden RuleIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not change anything. The obstacles we encounter in life are what build character and define who we are.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American History. It helped instill in me the principles of the Founding Fathers.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?See Golden Rule above.