Election preview: Petigout tries to hold off challenger Clark for McDonough County sheriff
MACOMB — On Tuesday, Nov. 8, McDonough County residents will decide between the two sheriff candidates: Nick Petitgout (R) and Mark Clark (I).
“I served this community for 16 years and hope to serve for many more. I've spent my entire life working for the government in one way or the other. I was in the Marines and went to WIU and got a LEJA (Law Enforcement and Justice Administration) degree,” incumbent Petitgout said. “I have given a life of service.”
Petitgout says things are going well in the sheriff's office, but one of his priorities is to purchase body cameras toward the end of the year.
He said the office has received approval from the finance committee for about $200,000 over five years to cover the cost of the cameras. The program will be a fall/winter body camera program with a pilot program to work out the kinks with the policies to be implemented the first of the year.
“I hope to continue to solve crime, most importantly. If people have questions, we give them answers. That's what people want us to do here: to solve crime and to protect victims,” Petitgout said. “I think there will be some modifications made by Jan. 1 to the (SAFE-T) act, but am unsure what at this time. We'd like to make it easier to implement. Everyone agrees we need to address some issues before Jan. 1 with that.”
Mark Clark says many things contribute to his joining the race for sheriff.
“I'm running because I've basically been a lifetime resident of the Colchester area, have served 22 years as a police officer, I enjoy serving people and want to make a difference to the residents of McDonough County,” Clark said. “I have seen things over the past few years that has made me want to run and make a change.”
Clark's goals are to bring back 24-hour patrol of the county.
“I want to make sure we have a deputy on the road. I'd like to focus on rural patrol more, on the back roads especially in rural areas. I want to implement a hiring board so that hiring is open and fair to all,” he said. “I would increase training opportunities, especially in mental health, diversity and technology areas.”
Clark also wants to make sure officers are fiscally conscious.
“Some purchases are a waste of money. I want to make sure we spend wisely. I want to repair relationships and work as partners within law enforcement agencies,” he said.
“I appreciate the support I've been hearing from people at the doors. I do want to make a difference for people, I will be a servant leader and partner with communities. I look forward to hopefully being elected in November.”
Deputy recruitment and retention seems to be a common priority between the two candidates.
According to Gretchen DeJaynes, McDonough County Clerk and Recorder's office last week, 1,243 ballots have been sent out via the postal service, and 875 have been returned. There have been 879 early voters.
The following incumbents are running unopposed: Gretchen DeJaynes (R), County Clerk; Angela G Graves (R), County Treasurer; John H Meixner (R), Regional Superintendent Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler Counties; Jodi Scott (R), Regional Superintendent Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Counties.
Those running for County Board District 1 are: Larry Aurelio (R), Eric Blakely, Jerry Raby (R), Dick Marcott (D), Dana Roy Walker (D), Ken Durkin (D), Deckle McLean (D), Dustin Berg (D), Michael D Kirby (D), and Kelly Gradert (D).
Those running for County Board District 2 are: Travis Hiel (R), David Cortelyou (R), Eric Chapman (R), Craig W Foster (R), L Scott Schwerer (R), Joe Erlandson (R), Clayton Murphy (R), Kathy Olesen-Tracy (D), and Rod McGrew (D).
Running for County Board District 3 are: George D Dixon (R), Terra J Litchfield (R), Michael Cox (R), Vicky Kipling (R), David E Nissen (R), Letha Clark (R), Jarad Royer (R), and Tim Roberts (D).
Voters are being asked whether to retain Heidi A Benson and Raymond A Cavanaugh as Judges of the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: 2022 Election: McDonough County sheriff, two candidates
