Jackson County sheriff candidates debate rural patrols and staffing

In the Jackson County sheriff race, incumbent Democrat Robert Burns and Republican challenger Jay Wittenborn are focusing on rural patrol coverage, staffing, and mental health services.

Burns, who has served as sheriff for approximately 20 years, is seeking re-election to manage an upcoming staff transition as several senior employees approach retirement. He emphasized the importance of maintaining current programs and addressing resident concerns regarding thefts and burglaries in outlying areas.

Wittenborn, a retired Illinois State Police officer, has proposed a review of departmental staffing and spending to identify potential savings. He aims to increase patrol visibility in rural communities outside of established police jurisdictions and intends to assess staffing needs based on available budget constraints.