SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Incumbent Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch is using her two‑year record to make the case for a full term in the upcoming November election. In a recent interview on WTAX Morning Newswatch, Crouch emphasized that her experience on the job has given her a clear vision for the department’s future.
Experience as a campaign cornerstone
“I was pretty fortunate coming in…that I was able to learn so much in these first two years about the Sheriff’s office, and then really start a growth and kind of a new beginning for us here,” Crouad said. Crouch was appointed after former Sheriff Jack Campbell resigned following the tragic shooting death of Sonya Massey, and she says the past two years have been a period of learning and rebuilding.
Contrast with opponent
Crouch questioned the commitment of her opponent, retired Illinois State Trooper Marc Bell, to the mission of the Sheriff’s office. “I’m not sure that I feel that he’s as supportive of what the mission of the Sheriff’s office should be,” she said. While both candidates share law‑enforcement backgrounds, Crouch stressed that she is “pro law enforcement” and fully backs officers on the streets and in correctional facilities.
Election timeline
The race will be decided in the November election, with Crouch seeking a full term and Bell slated to appear on WTAX Friday at 7:40 a.m. for a separate interview. Voters in Sangamon County will have the opportunity to weigh the candidates’ experience, priorities, and vision for public safety.
What’s at stake
The Sheriff’s office plays a critical role in both community policing and the management of county correctional facilities. Crouch’s campaign argues that continuity and the knowledge she has gained over the past two years will help maintain stability and improve services for Springfield residents.
As the election approaches, both candidates are expected to outline specific policy proposals, but Crouch’s focus remains on her hands‑on experience and dedication to supporting law‑enforcement personnel.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
