Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps released a letter Monday afternoon to Marion County residents addressing controversy over how he will be replaced on the ballot for the November election.
Cripps says he welcomes any legitimate review or investigation of his actions concerning his upcoming retirement at the end of his current term and his decision not to seek re-election. He is confident in the integrity of this Office and in the decisions I have made as your elected Sheriff.
Cripps says he wants to make one point very clear: this entire process—from the possible Iuka cafe purchase, to the circumstances that led me to consider an earlier retirement, to my final decision—developed within approximately three to four weeks.
After a call to the Illinois State Board of Elections seeking guidance on his options to withdraw as a candidate for re-election, Cripps felt it was preferable to let the Marion County Republican Central Committee make the decision rather than an appointment process by the County Board Chairman, which involves fewer individuals.
Cripps said he had no knowledge that the Marion County Board Chairman, who had an interest in seeking the sheriff’s position, was in Mexico when he made and finalized his decision. He says after nearly 30 years of service in law enforcement, his decision to retire was his to make.
Cripps sincerely wishes each candidate seeking the Office of Sheriff the very best as this process moves forward. Most importantly, he asks everyone to remember that this is bigger than any one individual. The Office of Sheriff belongs to the people of Marion County, and the men and women who serve within that Office will continue doing what they have always done—protecting and serving our citizens.
Cripps says everyone is so blessed to have the employees at the Sheriff’s Office. Cripps says it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of Marion County.
Cripps’ letter follows the announcement earlier in the day that County Board Chair Steve Whritenour would seek an investigation by a state police agency on actions taken during the past five days. The two announced candidates for Sheriff are current Chief Deputy Anthony Decker and a current police officer of a state agency, Cody Rose. The caucus is set for 6:30 Tuesday night at the Iron Saddle just south of Salem. The caucus is open to the public. Precinct committeemen will be asked to cast a written vote.
