To the Editor:
True leaders lead by example. They lead by having a vision, a plan, and by being someone that those they are leading respect and want to follow. True leaders don’t lead by bullying, threats, intimidation, or retaliation. People who use those tactics may hold the position of a “leader”, but in no way are they a true leader.
The voters have a chance to elect a true leader in the March primary. They have a chance to elect a true leader that has been proven by almost 30 years’ worth of experience, and proven by merit based on standards set by a major agency. Joe Moon spent almost 30 years in the Illinois State Police. Joe was promoted based on merit and based on the standards and procedures of the State Police. He has proven leadership in multiple roles within the State Police, and he has proven skills in policies and procedures, training, and use of force laws, among many other things. Joe has multiple endorsements from statewide organizations. He has pledged to work collaboratively with local agencies, and he has pledged to once again make the Sheriff’s Office a place where people want to stay. Joe is a lifelong McDonough County resident who cares about this county, about law enforcement, and about the people working for the Sheriff’s Office. He is more than qualified and experienced to run the Sheriff’s Office.
As someone who has been a part of law enforcement in McDonough County and the surrounding area for over 30 years, I know that the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office used to be a place where officers wanted to work, and where they stayed once they were there. It used to be a respected agency. Sadly, I don’t believe that is true any longer under the current administration, which is why a change is badly needed. Ask yourself why Joe’s opponent has only one endorsement from a local organization, which he is a member of. Ask yourself why there has been such major turnover since he took office, which had not happened before. Ask yourself why there have been so many lawsuits filed against the Sheriff’s Office as well has Nick himself. Finally, ask yourself why numerous deputies that have worked for or with Nick support Joe Moon. It is clear that true leadership is currently lacking in the Sheriff’s Office.
I encourage the residents of McDonough County to vote for Joe Moon for Sheriff on March 17, 2026. He is qualified, proven, and will bring back the true leadership that has been sorely lacking in the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office.
Mark Clark Colchester Mayor
