Southern Ill. county sheriff candidates focus on improving communication

By KYLE W. MORRISON

Southeast Missourian

ANNA, Ill. -- In an open race for Union County sheriff, one challenger hopes to bring about change while the other plans to build on past successes of the department.

Democrat David Livesay and Republican Steven J. Hoepker are vying for the open position left by a retiring David Nash.

Livesay, who has worked in the department for more than 21 years, currently as a sergeant, says the past several administrations have been good and he hoped to build on their success.

Hoepker, a shift commander at Shawnee Correctional Center with a rank of major, said the people of Union County want a change.

According to Hoepker, the various departments are not as well coordinated as they could be.

Hoepker said he would focus on coordinating efforts between the county, local and state officials and try to strengthen bonds between Union and surrounding counties.

Part of such effort would be steered toward the battle of methamphetamine, which Hoepker called a "major concern."

Hoepker stressed he would try to be as proactive as possible, including educating parents and children about the dangers of meth.

Livesay agreed with Hoepker that drugs, especially methamphetamine, are a big problem in the county. Like Hoepker, Livesay wants to work more with other law enforcement groups, but also wants to establish a canine unit in Union County that could help track drugs.

"With methamphetamine, other crimes escalate," he said, adding if elected he hoped to reopen an investigative division closed down three years ago due to budget problems.

Hoepker touts his experience in the Illinois Department of Corrections, which includes spending five years as commander for the state's Special Operations Team. The team responds to routine and critical incidents in the department.

Livesay said working up through the department has been a lifelong goal and stressed his familiarity with the county and the department.

"I have a good feeling for what the county wants and expects in their sheriff."

While Hoepker thinks the people of Union County want a change, Livesay said his experience leads him to believe the residents are happy with the department.

"They're satisfied with the sheriff's department they've got," he said.

Livesay also has the support of the retiring Nash.

"He knows the ins and outs of it," Nash said. "He can get the job done."

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127