Five contenders for the office of Whiteside County Sheriff met in the crowded American Legion Hall, 712 4th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL, on Saturday, February 10, 2018. They were afforded an opportunity to address ten questions before the public, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Legion rules set the tone for the audience: “Be respectful of all speakers. This is a non-partisan event, designed to allow undecided voters to learn about their choices for Sheriff. We understand some of you are here to support your candidate, but all candidates will receive equal time tonight.”
Left-to-right, are Tim Fisher, 47; Mike Lewis, 46; John Booker, 51; Clark Mortensen, Jr., 47; Kris Schmidt, 46. Booker is the lone Democrat. The Tuesday, March 20, Primary Election is a contest between the four men on both sides of him; one will be his opponent in the November General Election. Deputy Lewis, Lieutenant Booker, and Sergeant Schmidt work in the Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant-at-Arms Andy Terveer “got the idea in November [2017], and the Legion approved it in December.” He thought, “It would be a unique opportunity to hear from all the candidates.” That was “the driving force” behind his plan to bring together supporters, voters, and candidates.
Questions had been drafted by The American Legion. Speakers responded extemporaneously within time limits of one-to-two minutes, moderated by Andy Terveer. This was clearly not a debate. On rare occasions, a candidate would say, “I disagree with [Mr. X],” and then explain his opinion. A couple times a candidate said, “I agree with [Mr. X.],” and then elaborated. The men stayed on topic for the most part. They were concise and–in the Editor’s opinion–exhibited thoughtful opinions. Each exhibited a deep commitment to Law Enforcement and an eagerness to address difficult problems.
Left-to-right, there was an ease between Booker, Fisher, Mortensen, Lewis, and Schmidt before the program began, 20 minutes late.
Legion Post Commander Mark Terveer timed each speaker and signaled when their minutes were about to expire. The open-ended summary statement allowed up-to-three minutes. Using random draws, each speaker took a turn answering a question. In this article, candidate responses are written in alphabetical order.
1. What is the main reason you are seeking the office? Booker, “I am the only experienced person working as an administrator” in the Sheriff’s Office. Fisher, “I love Law Enforcement; helping people, doing what I love and helping this community.” Lewis, “I am the only candidate who has worked in every position–with financial and mechanical experience. My family values and love of community” also are reasons. Mortensen, “I want to bring my expertise and experience to Whiteside County. I want to help and serve others.” Schmidt, “To work together and to move forward. I want to take [the Sheriff’s Office] further, to serve the citizens of Whiteside County.”
2. Why are you the best candidate? Include recent experience. Booker, “I am the only one who has worked on the budget with Kelly [Wilhelmi.] The leadership I learned from Kelly makes me the Acting Sheriff, when he is out of the County. I am the only one who can say that.” Fisher, “My experience and education. I served 14 years as a Sergeant supervising officers; no one can say that. I served as a contract negotiator and dealt with union contracts. I am on a committee to lessen the stigma of mental illness.” Lewis, “My financial experiences on two School Boards. We’re going to trim the fat and put more boots on the ground. We must take care of the Jail, Court House, and Sheriff’s Office. I had a $7.2 million budget at the Northwestern Steel and Wire [Co.] mill. Reaching out to veterans and the elderly to get their input and work together.” Mortensen, “I attended the Illinois State Police Academy. I am trained in paramilitary operations and have extensive Police training. I strive to make us the best County. I was on the City Council and two Economic Development Committees and have extensive budget training. I am involved in the community and lead by example.” Schmidt, “I have 26 years of Law Enforcement experience, beginning as an Air Force Security Officer. As a DeWitt, IA, Police Officer I learned how to deal with the community and became the School Resource Officer. In the Sheriff’s Office, I am in charge of Patrol and am on a Tactical Team. I teach others, and that is rewarding. I strive for teamwork with the community.”
3. What qualifies someone to be your Chief Deputy? If you have chosen one, you may introduce that person. Booker, “I would look for someone who has moved up the ranks in our Department or someone who held the position.” Fisher, “Experience; education; family and community values. I have none chosen.” Lewis, “I have the best Chief Deputy, Gabe Gomez. He is retired from the Morrison Police Department and was an employee of the Sheriff’s Office. Policing and corrections, both [of us] have that experience. [Gabe] would oversee Dispatch, Road Patrol, and Civil Process, so I can be out in the Community.” Mortensen, “I have chosen Donnie Pridemore, a Fulton, IL, Police Lieutenant. I have known him for 26 years; he is a very good officer.” Schmidt, “I would choose someone who would follow the reg[ulation]s, to instill confidence in us and be someone to work with us. He would also lead by example.”
4. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the Department today, and how would you address them? Booker, “Money is the biggest challenge. We work closely with communities, to get them to buy into ‘community policing.’ They help with problems facing Law Enforcement and community needs. We have two 9-1-1 Dispatch units and will implement textable 9-1-1 calls, but the State is holding back money.” Fisher, “Officers need to get out to the community. You need to get where people feel comfortable talking to Officers; you have to get out of the car and talk to them [informally.] I would assign Deputies to do that and call in when they are making a public relations call. I could track that through the Dispatch Center. We must deal with the mentally ill and addictions. I have the most experience and can pass it on to my Deputies.” Lewis, “Get rid of the separation between the Jail and the road. The Jail people have a tough job dealing with mental health. We should know the inner workings of the Jail. I may maintain the Jail with Patrol Deputies when necessary.” Mortensen, “There are some problems across the Country when Officers defend [themselves], and the media brings them up on charges.” He described the fears of rural crime victims and residents who seldom see Patrol Deputies. “We need to get involved with the community to serve and protect. You make sure [people’s] property and [they] are safe. Get out into the community; get involved or start activities.” Schmidt, “Personnel issues after the election. I [would be] working with employees to focus on the future and my beliefs, getting them to take ownership and run with it. I will grow and share my vision with Whiteside County.”
5. How well do other law enforcement agencies work together, and how would you improve the situation? Booker, “This is already in place. I am the Vice Chair of the Major Case Squad, which involves area Police Offices and Counties. We’re doing it now.” Fisher, “We can do better. [I will] talk to Chiefs of departments.” Lewis, “I reached out to several Chiefs to meet and talk, and I [will] work together to make things better.” Mortensen, “During my time at the Quad City Airport, we had disaster drills involving Police, Fire, EMS, and bus” [agencies.] He suggested a system to address Mass Casualty situations. “I know how to do that. I am the only one with mass casualty training.” Schmidt, “The Sheriff’s Office is one agency in a County with great programs. We depend on them. We need training and cohesiveness, to know how other [agencies] will react in a situation. I will continue working with other departments to discuss and move forward, to get things accomplished in the best way possible.”
6. What improvements, if any, could be made to the situation at the County Jail? Booker, “I oversee the Jail. We use the Safe Passages program so addicts can go for help.” He said a “Veterans Program gets involved. Untreated mental health is the biggest problem.” Fisher, “One of the biggest problems is mental health. The County doesn’t have a Behavior Health Care Unit. I will join or create a crisis team and communicate with the BHCU. The goal is to keep them out of the criminal justice system. I can and will implement those programs. The budget will be evaluated.” Lewis, From usual Jail numbers “of 87-to-89, the population has jumped to 110. We could bring back home monitors and make money off those released. Seventy-eight percent of tax dollars goes to payroll. People aren’t moving out of the Jail. Move them through the system, to decrease costs on the Jail floor.” Mortensen, “Train Bailiffs and Administrators to address mental health. Outsource to those who have the ability to help. Find out what the problem is, and hit it head on.” Schmidt, “The Jail [population] is at the highest capacity in years; that causes budgetary issues. We need to work [at] reducing the population, which would reduce personnel fatigue. The population can be controlled with help from other agencies and the State’s Attorney.”
7. What is the biggest problem facing Whiteside County, and how do you plan to meet it? (Editor’s note: Speakers also were given the option of addressing cold cases, opioid increases, or domestic/gang issues.) Booker, “We never give up on [cold] cases in Whiteside County, but resources are [needed.]” While in office, Sheriff Wilhelmi “hired a Deputy to work with Senior citizens, [under the National Sheriffs’ Association] in the Triad program. He was already trained, so there was no expense to the County [for his training.]” Fisher, “Drug and gang problems. You have to hold people accountable when doing wrong. Addicts are causing crime primarily. We need the State’s Attorney’s cooperation to not put the addicted in jail. Be proactive. Get Officers talking to people; build relationships with the community, [encourage them] to call the Sheriff and know that we are going to come.” Lewis, “We can reduce the drug problem; prison is not the solution. Put together a Street Crimes Unit; flood problem areas with Officers. Cut Administration, in place of people on the street and Patrol.” Mortensen, “People talk to me about rural theft and safety of citizens; they are scared. Burgl[aries] and break-ins are happening. They tell me, ‘We’re told Law Enforcement didn’t have the manpower to come out.’ More, vast, diligent Patrol is needed. Let the public know who is out there.” Schmidt, “The drug epidemic is continual, but it takes everybody’s involvement [to attack it.] Heroin and meth dealers have to [be taken] off the street. We need to train Officers to [build] a successful case. Addicts who steal make us all victims. I will work with Safe Passage in Lee County to get addicts help. It takes teamwork to fight drugs, to fight the crime of addiction/drug abuse in Whiteside County. Three things are needed: Law Enforcement; treatment for those who are addicted; citizens who report crime or neighborhood drug houses.”
8. Are you prepared to effectively deal with potential adversity from the County Board? Booker, “I attend all the County Board meetings with the Sheriff. They support the Sheriff’s Office 100% as long as there is money for it. The easiest thing in the world is dealing with the County Board.” Fisher, “It’s imperative to communicate with the Board.” Lewis, “Come to a ‘common ground;’ make your case; look how you spend your money; ‘sell’ what you need. Put a total package together, and maybe allocate money from somewhere else.” Mortensen, “I have been on both sides of the City of Colona and made decisions. I understand a budget and how a City has to work. I was also a contract negotiator for the ‘other side.’ You need to stress what the needs are for the Jail and communicate them to the County Board. You should have a well-educated idea and very good documentation.” Schmidt, “I would [stress] transparency and let them know what we do at the Sheriff’s Office. I would invite them over and have continual communication, so they make the best decisions for the County. Teamwork is unstoppable.”
9. Of what accomplishments in your working career are you most proud? Booker, “I was awarded the Top Cop Officer/Deputy of the Year. During my working relationship with Kelly Wilhelmi, we put aside politics and worked together [after being contentious opponents in the Sheriff’s race.] As a Detective, I handled the worst case ever and interviewed the suspect, who is in Jail for 30 years. I worked with other Officers in our department.” Fisher, “I was Officer of the Year and received a DUI award. Becoming a Canine Officer was a goal since Junior High. I achieved that, and I was a Field Officer.” He maintains “a file of letters from children thanking” him. One Victims Advocate letter came from “the YWCA for [my] compassionate treatment of a case.” Lewis, “My two greatest accomplishments were at Northwestern Steel and Wire [Co.] At 26 years old I worked with all the crafts and had a $7.2 million budget. I decreased ‘down time’ from 28% to 6.2% to make more money. Nobody ever worked ‘for’ me, out of 90 people; they worked ‘with’ me. I earned their respect. We’re going to do more with less.” Mortensen, Even though “I worked outside of the County for 26 years, I can learn those problems of Whiteside County. I will surround myself with people who know a lot. I will start programs and use ideas from other Counties. I have fresh ideas.” Schmidt, “I am the DUI instructor and Taser Training instructor for the Sheriff’s Office. I received the [2016] Illinois Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Hero Award. I earned a BS degree in Organizational Management. Volunteering with the C.O.P.S. program allows me to give back to families of fallen Officers, without expecting anything. That is my biggest accomplishment.”
An extra question was submitted regarding having only two-to-three Deputies patrolling the County at a time, in each of three shifts. How can we accomplish the need for more Deputies with budget shortfalls? Booker, “During the safe Halloween program, instituted by Kelly Wilhelmi, registered sex offenders are brought to the Sheriff’s Office, informed of new sex offender laws, and kept out of neighborhoods. The budget stops us from having eight Deputies on patrol all the time.” Fisher, “Form partnerships with the Police Street Crimes Unit, as a start. I won’t do roadside Safety Checks. Lewis, “When I served on two school boards, we never RIFed a teacher; we cut the unnecessary stuff. We don’t need 14 Administrators. Put more boots on the ground. Mortensen, “Educate the public to be ‘Citizens on Patrol’ to look for problems. Mounted Patrol and Explorer Programs can do search and rescue or secure the scene [instead of using Deputies.]” Schmidt, “Streamline the paperwork on the job. Use other agencies across jurisdictions. Work with communities to help us. Use the Mounted Patrol.
10. Outside of Law Enforcement duties, do you have any plans for community involvement programs? Booker, “The Fishing Derby will continue; I fish with the kids. I started a camp for parents and children together. I will expand programs.” Fisher, “I will talk to members of communities; there is no cost to that. I will keep the Fishing Derby and look for other areas. I will assign an Officer to address a Facebook page. Once a night there could be an opportunity to ‘Ask the Sheriff’ a question.” Lewis, “Working with communities has been humbling and rewarding. Gifts were presented to kids and families at the Rock Falls Legion. Mortensen, “I have a serving heart and want to serve and protect citizens. I would use the TRIAD program. I would go to the homes of the elderly and find out how they are doing. It’s not all about crime and punishment.” Schmidt, “We need to practice ‘humanizing the badge.’ One outreach program is the Fishing Derby. The Sheriff’s Office could pick a monthly agency and volunteer. Block parties offer a good time discussing things one-on-one with citizens.”
Closing statement to add information or follow up. Why should I vote for you? Booker, “I am a Certified Police Officer. I [am Commander of] the Whiteside County SWAT Team, which is multi-jurisdictional. I am the only Democrat running. I give these guys all the credit in the world. If your candidate does not get elected, I ask for your support. Fisher, “My faith is paramount; I treat people with dignity and respect. I am accountable to my family. My education and experience set me apart. I was a Certified Dispatcher and Canine Officer, and I worked well with other Counties and agencies. I was Vice President of the Rock Falls Police Department union and a contract negotiator. I worked on a School Board and a committee on mental health. Lewis, “I held and/or hold positions of public trust. I have budgeting experience from Montmorency and Rock Falls School Boards. We will make cuts, and we’re going to get more for less. It’s about getting the job done.” Mortensen, “I am not an employee of Whiteside County. I have a lot to add, because of my ideas and differences. My number one goal is community involvement.” Schmidt, “I’m not a politician; I’m just a cop that cares. I have a BS degree in [Organizational Management and Criminal Justice.] My training is vast and continuous; you grow in that community you serve. Use FOIA to see my work ethic after 26 years in Law Enforcement. I have integrity.”
After the program concluded at 9:07, State Representative Tony McCombie posed with the slate of candidates: left-to-right, Lewis, Booker, Mortensen, Schmidt, and Fisher. Although she serves Whiteside County, she does not reside here. McCombie will not help select the next Whiteside County Sheriff.
Readers of this article will. Click here for clarifying material about the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, offered by Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi on Monday, February 12, 2018.
