John D. Idleburg: 2022 candidate for Lake County Sheriff

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Lake County Sheriff

City: Zion

Age: 66

Occupation: Lake County Sheriff

Previous offices held: Lake County Sheriff

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

Running for re-election and working to create a more diverse Lake County Sheriff's Department that is a reflection of the community we serve.

If you are an incumbent, describe two important initiatives you've led. If you're not an incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the position.

Created the Bridge Program which is a program to help inmates return to society. Inmates that wish to participate will receive services from our jail staff for 30 days after their release back into the community. Created the Criminal Justice Community Council which is a group of community members and stakeholders. We meet throughout the year and look at dynamic ways to ensure our office is being representative of the community we serve.

Are there enough deputies on the street and are they properly deployed? What changes would you make?

Since I have been in office, I have pushed to hire more officers. The current resources I have are properly deployed. If I could make changes I would add to the staffing of my departments

What role should the sheriff's department play in dealing with the county's opioid crisis?

Through the diligent and committed work of my Special Investigation Group we have seized over 10 million dollars of illegal drugs off the street in 3 years. This has earned us the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) designation. The LCSO receives funding from the federal government to target drug trafficking and criminal enterprise.