OSHKOSH, Wis. – With Sheriff John Matz stepping down after four terms, Winnebago County voters will choose a new sheriff for the first time in 16 years. Republican Darin Rice and Democrat Jason Rippl are the two candidates on the ballot, and both have laid out detailed visions for public safety, drug treatment, technology, and immigration enforcement.
Measured Leadership and Program Review
Rice cautioned that immediate, sweeping changes could destabilize the department, noting that the sheriff’s office will lose its top six leaders by the end of the year. He said his approach will be “measured,” allowing time to assess which programs are effective, which need adjustment, and which might be eliminated for the community’s best interest.
Addressing Substance Abuse
Both candidates identified drug use and dependency as a major concern. Rice highlighted partnerships with the Overdose Fatality Review and a nonprofit that provides medical treatment and wrap‑around services to inmates with substance‑abuse disorders. He pledged to continue these efforts and to work with the multi‑jurisdictional MEG drug‑enforcement unit to hold traffickers accountable, stressing that drug activity is destroying families and neighborhoods.
Community‑Focused Policing
Rippl emphasized direct engagement, promising regular town halls, attendance at community events, and patrols that put deputies “where they are” to build trust. He believes visible, approachable law enforcement is essential for a safe, thriving county.
ALPR Camera Technology
The use of automatic license‑plate‑recognition (ALPR) cameras has sparked debate. Rippl argued that early community input could have avoided current concerns and stressed that the issue lies more with data handling than the cameras themselves. Rice sees value in the technology as a powerful investigative tool but suggests pausing its deployment until legislation clarifies its use and public sentiment is clearer. Both agree that data management practices need scrutiny.
287(g) ICE Agreement
Winnebago County, like many Northeast Wisconsin counties, notifies ICE when an illegal immigrant is booked on criminal charges under a 287(g) agreement. Rice supports maintaining the agreement, stating that cooperation with ICE is appropriate for criminal offenders while rejecting any notion of turning the jail into an immigration holding facility. Rippl, however, believes the county should step back from the agreement until federal immigration policy is clarified, though he would still honor existing warrants.
Diversion and Re‑entry Programs
Rice highlighted existing diversion programs and expressed openness to new nonprofit partnerships that help inmates re‑enter society on a positive path. Rippl called for ongoing evaluation of these programs, warning against “autopilot” operation and advocating for adjustments when effectiveness wanes.
Economic Growth and Public Safety
Both candidates linked strong law‑enforcement services to economic confidence. Rice asked whether businesses feel safe enough to operate or expand in Winnebago County, noting that a safe environment encourages families to settle and visitors to return. Rippl echoed the sentiment, asserting that a visible, responsive sheriff can meet everyday community needs.
What Voters Need to Know
The sheriff’s race will appear on the April 2027 primary ballot. Voters should consider each candidate’s stance on drug treatment, technology use, immigration cooperation, and community engagement when casting their ballots. With the county’s top law‑enforcement position open, the outcome will shape Winnebago’s public‑safety strategy for years to come.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
