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“Sheriff Announces Candidacy”
For Release Monday - May 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

Sheriff Todd Nehls, 49, of Fox Lake, has announced his candidacy for re-election for the 2011- 2015 term. Nehls was elected as Sheriff in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, campaigning on the need for major improvements in equipment, facilities, technology, and public relations. “We have come a long way. The department has undergone a major transformation which has greatly improved our service to our customers as well as the environment and capabilities of our employees,” stated Nehls.

Nehls will campaign on the 50 substantial changes and initiatives he launched which have fundamentally transformed the department from a reactive mode to being proactive. Nehls is proud of the department’s efforts to greatly increase revenues to offset expenses, allowing for budget surpluses in six of his first seven budgets, totaling in almost $4 million. “Just because we have money budgeted does not mean we have to spend it,” stated Nehls. Revenues increased over 700% as the department maintains an unprecedented relationship with federal agencies generating over $8 million a year in revenues, over $20 million the last three years, and $45 million overall.

Not afraid of tackling tough decisions, Nehls has initiated the sensitive discussions and provided the necessary leadership in efforts to enhance law enforcement county-wide. One example was the effort to consolidate the four county communication centers into one. Not very popular when he proposed it, yet the success of the consolidation has proven it was the right choice and has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings for the local departments. Other initiatives started by Nehls include publishing the county’s most wanted, media access to daily logs, putting inmates to work, embraced technology, E911 Center, multi-jurisdictional drug unit and SWAT Team, creation of the Sheriff’s Volunteer Posse and improvement to increase department efficiency and performance.

The department has had its share of tests over the years; tests Sheriff Nehls affirms were handled very well by the department. They include tornadoes, flooding, the chemical plant explosion, major burglary rings, significant arsons, homicides, and several tactical situations. “These dedicated employees have been provided the necessary equipment, education, training, and flexibility to perform, and they have done so, each and every day. I am so proud to be their Sheriff,” stated Nehls.

“As successful as the first eight years have been we still have work to do, I have not run out of ideas which will allow for law enforcement to become even more effective and efficient. Are we perfect, no we are not, but we will keep working towards it,” stated Nehls.