Citizens of Lake County
It has been an honor to serve this county since 2015 as your elected Sheriff and Coroner. I have enjoyed your support for these past few years, and will ask for your continued support in re-electing me for this important office in the 2018 election. I believe my accomplishments thus far demonstrate that I am the right choice for the people of Lake County.
Shrinking budgets forced me to make critical decisions in this office over the past 3 years, but those challenges were overcome with a great deal of teamwork within LCSO. A reorganization of personnel has increased productivity, even with less money to go around. An overall reduction in overtime of 3500 hours per year since I took office has resulted in well over $100,000 in savings to my budget. Due to other budgetary shortfalls of the county, this savings ensured that the citizens of Lake County did not experience a lesser degree of service from the Sheriff’s Office. In fact, I believe having to do more with less money has provided the LCSO team with a challenge to meet and overcome. We have proven that we can do this, and for that, I am very proud of these professionals who proudly serve you every day.
As you well know, the jail provides us with yet another major challenge to overcome, and one that takes constant and calculated attention. In the past 3 years, we have implemented creative solutions to better manage the outdated facility, to include the Sheriff’s Labor Detail, and participation in the Drug/Treatment Court. Extensive study by my administrative team has been conducted by visiting other facilities, and communicating with different consultants and the County Commissioners about the problems and solutions. This challenge will not magically disappear, but under my leadership, we have and will continue to mitigate the impact on the community to the best of our abilities until a new facility can become a reality.
The oath I swore to support, protect, and defend the constitution and to discharge my duties with fidelity is something I take very seriously. My record of service and accomplishments clearly demonstrates this.
Donald R. Bell - Sheriff