William Evans: 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: ChicagoWebsite: www.electbillevans.comOffice sought: Cook County Sheriff Age: 47Family: Single/No ChildrenOccupation: Police Lietenant-Cook County Sheriff's PoliceEducation: B.S. Degree-Saint Joseph's College (IN)M.S. Degree-Chicago State UniversityM.S. Degree Candidate-North Central College (IL)2005 Graduate-Northwestern University/School of Police Staff and Command.Saint Rita High School-GraduateCivic involvement: Coaching athletics-primarily youth boxingMember-United Business Association of MidwayElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No, I have not.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?I am a career law enforcement officer. I have held command and supervisory ranks within the Sheriff's Department. I am motivated by my true love of law enforcement and the desire to repair an office that has deteriorated and become very ineffective. I have spent nearly my entire adult life in this organization and I would love to bring pride and professionalism back to this agency. A specific goal would be to improve morale among the ranks. This will clearly result in a better product for the citizens of Cook County. I feel that the office has concerned themselves with press reports more often that the safety of our community, the county jail, our schools and it's employees.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?I am clearly the most qualified for the office. None of my opponents have ever held a command level position in policing. I am a leader, and a proven winner. My opponents do not have the intrinsic skills to professionalize this organization.What do you think of President Toni Preckwinkle's plan to reduce jail crowding by expanding electronic monitoring, reducing bonds and expediting bond hearings and pretrial proceedings?Each case has to be examined on it's own merits. It would be foolish to make a blanket statement. With that being said, I do agree with the alternative programs to streamline the system.The aforementioned are good concepts to begin the reduction. Their may be other alternatives that can be explored as well.What do you think of Preckwinkle's plan to start housing 17-year-olds charged with felonies at the county's juvenile detention center rather than the adult jail?I agree that if a young man is charged with a violent felony, his detention is necessary for the safety and security of the community. I think there is a great argument to be made by the Board President's suggestion of housing 17-year-olds at a alternate facility. I would surmise that the connection between housed as an adult may hinder the hope for reformed behavior. I believe this could be a very strong point.Can this office meet budget goals set forth by the county board president without compromising services? Is so, how? If not, what alternative do you propose?First and Foremost, I strongly believe that the organization seems to be filled with upper echelon command positions that are unnecessary. The organization constantly struggles with rank and file manpower, but yet, we seem to have enough exempt positions available in the budget. I am a strong believer in discipline, leadership and teamwork. It has been noted that the organization seems to lack and real leadership or cohesion. This obviously can't foster good habits to balance the budget.The jail population should be afforded humane and necessary resources such as education, basic health care, exercise and educational television. The county jail appears to have more amenities than our United States Servicemen are not afforded while overseas.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?I am a 22-year veteran within the agency. I believe I understand the organization and it's members better than my opponents. Understanding and making well educated decisions are a large part of running a successful organization. This organization cries out for leadership and experience. I believe that I am the person that can provide that objective. I have the ability to work well with others, including our elected officials, to resolve problems before they become newsworthy.