Wise will run for sheriff

 Tim Wise of Annawan Monday, May 18, announced his bid to become Henry County Sheriff in 2010. 

 Wise ran unsuccessfully against seven-term Sheriff Gib Cady in 2006.

 A Democrat, Wise would face the sheriff in the November general election. Wise has a bachelor's degree in law enforcement justice administration from Western Illinois University with a minor in management. He also attended Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, majoring in youth ministry studies. 

 He has held his current job for nine years and before that was patrol deputy for the McHenry County sheriff's department for one year.

 On Monday he said his goals would include restoring fiscal responsibility "so no deputy will have to worry about losing their job and to reduce the burden on the taxpayers."

 He said he would make public safety a priority by increasing visibility and reducing response times to call.

 He also said he would improve officer safety by providing basic tools such as prisoner cages in squad cars and better radio communication systems.

 Wise said that since the 2006 election, he’s talked with deputies and others in law enforcement as well as citizens and he said he strongly believes it will take someone with experience from outside the sheriff’s office to evaluate the department and make the changes that need to be made.

 “I believe that my education, training and experiences with other law enforcement agencies has equipped me to fill the need very well,” he said. 

 “I appreciate the early endorsement of some of the police chiefs in Henry County and look forward to more,” he added. “I have already received the support and encouragement of Henry County board members from both parties as well as police officers from various agencies in Henry County.”

 He said he is starting his campaign early to give him time to meet personally with the voters and listen to their concerns, ideas and suggestions and to answer any questions.

 “I am very excited about the next year and a half of campaigning and what it will bring. Just like in 2006, this will be a grassroots campaign and I plan to make sure this is a positive campaign,” he concluded.