Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower Joins Sullivan’s Safe Streets Leadership Council

Candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan | Jesse Sullivan/Facebook

By Press Release

Mar 16, 2022

Sullivan for Illinois has issued the following press release:

HARRISBURG, IL – Republican candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan today announced Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower as a member of his Safe Streets Leadership Council, a bipartisan group of over 20 Illinois leaders who support Sullivan’s plan to enforce the law, defend our heroes, and restore accountability in Illinois.

"Tazewell County has suffered from the wrongheaded policies that have exacerbated a crime wave across our state. That is why we need dedicated leaders who understand and appreciate the role of law enforcement,” said Sheriff Lower.

Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower | Provided by Sullivan for Illinois

“Jesse Sullivan will work with law enforcement and ensure that we always have a seat at the table. I am honored to serve on his Safe Streets Leadership Council, and look forward to working with him to restore public safety in our state."

Including active and retired Illinois sheriffs, past presidents of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, and sitting state’s attorneys, the Leadership Council stands as the strongest coalition of active law enforcement of any candidate in the governor’s race.

“Traveling across the state I’ve heard the same message from Illinoisans in diners, churches, and veterans' halls: Our police are tired of being defunded and demonized. They’re sick of a system that prioritizes violent offenders over victims. And they’re demoralized by an administration that ignores them,” Jesse Sullivan said.

“In my administration, law enforcement will always have a voice. I’m so fortunate to partner with leaders like Sheriff Lower who believe in our campaign’s vision to bring safety and certainty back to our communities.”

Members of the Leadership Council serve as ambassadors for Sullivan’s Safe Streets plan, advocating for its principles and representing law enforcement in key discussions.

The co-chairs of the Leadership Council are McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout and Menard County Sheriff Mark Oller. Additional members of the council include:

Gary Farha, Adams County State’s Attorney

James Reed, Bureau County Sheriff

Devron Ohrn, Cass County Sheriff

Dave Bartoni, Franklin County Sheriff

Travis Duffy, Hancock County Sheriff

J.T. Fricker, Hardin County Sheriff

Mark Lumbeck, Henderson County Sheriff (retired)

Joe Cervantez, Jackson County State's Attorney

David Clague, Knox County Sheriff

Jack Harlan, Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy and candidate for sheriff

Mark Landers, Logan County Sheriff

Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff