STEVE STOVALL ON THE ISSUES:
Thank you for taking the time to visit stovall4sheriff.com, I sincerely appreciate it. Below are what I view as some of the many issues that I will focus on if I earn the opportunity to serve as the Sheriff of Stephenson County. As a husband, father, taxpayer, and citizen of Stephenson County I want you to know that what is important to you is also important to me.
2nd AMENDMENT:
I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and firmly believe that law-abiding citizens have a God given right to be able to protect themselves and their families. As Sheriff I will never support or enforce any unconstitutional laws, executive orders, or regulations that are contrary to the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. The rights afforded to us in the 2nd Amendment shall not be infringed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The police are the public and the public are the police is an adage in policing that dates back to 1829 when Sir Robert Peel drafted his nine Principles of Law Enforcement, and it still rings true today. I understand that law enforcement will not be effective without the support and trust of the public it serves so it is imperative that we work to earn and maintain that trust every day. To build trust and rapport with the community the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office will always be professional, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community.
RETENTION & RECRUITMENT:
One of the most significant issues facing law enforcement today is the recruitment and retention of qualified law enforcement officers. The fact of the matter is there is a nationwide shortage of law enforcement officers and the challenges of maintaining the staffing levels necessary to provide public safety are of very real concern. Retention of the existing workforce and the recruitment of the next generation of Stephenson County Deputies will be a top priority.
CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN:
The protection of children through vigorous enforcement of the law will be a focus of the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office if I am elected Sheriff. To protect the children in our community my administration will remain active in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and work closely with local advocacy groups such as Tyler’s Justice Center for Children and VOICES of Stephenson County.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Domestic violence is a significant problem in Stephenson County which requires diligent effort from law enforcement to ensure that abusers are apprehended, and victims and survivors have access to the necessary resources. To combat the problem of domestic violence it will require a close working relationship between law enforcement, local advocacy groups, probation, and the State’s Attorney’s Office. I believe everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.
DRUG TRAFFICKING:
Those who choose to engage in the distribution of illegal drugs in our community have three choices; stop and obey the law, voluntarily relocate to a community outside of Stephenson County, or be involuntarily relocated into our jail. Combatting the scourge of illegal drugs is a critical component of my overall strategy of providing public safety throughout the county.
GANG VIOLENCE:
There are criminals in Stephenson County who have been terrorizing some of our communities and they must be stopped and brought to justice. As Sheriff, I will work closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to assist with the identification and apprehension of the criminals who are illegally using and possessing firearms. The indiscriminate firing of weapons in residential neighborhoods cannot be tolerated and bringing these suspects to justice is of the utmost importance.
TAXES:
As Sheriff I will not support any new taxes or tax increases. The residents of Stephenson County are already overtaxed, and I believe that government at all levels must learn how to live within their means. Fiscal decisions within the Sheriff’s Office will always be made with respect for the taxpayers first.
