Post Register

POST REGISTER QUESTIONS:

Name: Travis Williams

Age: 42

Office sought: Madison County Sheriff

Political party: Republican

Website: www.writeintravis.com

Professional background: Over 18 years of Law Enforcement experience with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. I supervised the Major Crimes Division for 10 years as a Sargent, Lieutenant and Captain. I was a Tri-County Detective for 12 Years and the SRT (SWAT) Commander for 10 years. I have Certificates in Basic Patrol, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisor and Management from the State of Idaho. I am a graduate of the FBI Command College and the HK Tactical Commanders School in Virginia. I was an Instructor for Police First Line Supervision/Management and Instructor for POST Certified Training in Idaho and Utah.

Highest level of education attained (graduation year, school, and location): Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Ricks College (BYU-Idaho) 1994.

How long have you lived in your district? I have lived in Madison County for over 20 years.

Have you sought public office before (if so, list position(s), year and election outcome)? No

Why are you running for office this year? I have worked for the citizens of Madison County, not behind a desk, but in the trenches for 18 years. I know it is a wonderful community in which to raise a family. However, if we allow apathy and complacency quietly slip in, we will quickly see its broad and destructive effects. I have seen some disturbing issues with in the sheriff’s office concerning unethical decisions, wasteful spending and failure to follow and adhere to policy. I believe it is time for government to take a step back and realize Tax Payers are footing the bill. I am running because I care about these issues and the people of Madison County.

What makes you most qualified to hold office? I have been a career detective working major crimes with 18 years of service, protecting the citizens of Madison County. I have greater dedication and commitment than my opponent who also owns and runs an Elk Ranch. I will be a full time working Sheriff. With integrity, I will accept full responsibility for my decisions with Tax Payers’ dollars. I will actually get into my patrol vehicle each day and go out and work in the community while fulfilling the Oath of Office which is to support the constitution of the United States and the State of Idaho.

What is the most important issue facing your district this year and how would you address it? I have openly addressed wasteful spending of tax dollars. Everyone is being asked to take cut back. Government is no different than the citizen. We should not always get what we want. We have to do more with less. We will do this by shifting responsibilities within the office. This will create more man power and patrol coverage with no increase in the budget. We will create a Citizens Advisory Committee. We will open up the budget book once a month to the public. We will present our wants and needs and obtain citizen input before we spend their money.

What is one change you would push for if you are elected? Responsibility within government, by adhering to the checks and balance system that was set up for the sole purpose of stopping the erosion of rights created by the 'good old boy' system of doing things. We must adhere to the principle of, 'Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should'. True ethics in government begins with accountability for government actions that affects every citizen’s basic rights. We have to have a true understanding of the Constitution of the United States if we are going to swear an oath to support it. I will bring that understanding to the Office of the Sheriff.

What do you believe is the most prominent crime in the community and how would you make efforts to reduce it? We have seen an increase in child abuse, burglaries and vandalism related crimes against our families, farms, ranches, businesses and homes. Most of this is attributed to narcotics and other related addictions. I will create 18 community policing districts and assign a Patrol Certified Officer to each one, including myself. We will re-engage the Sheriff’s Office into the community. We will begin supporting drug and mental health court to assist with addiction recovery. We will shift upper staff responsibility, thereby adding better patrol coverage. We will expand the citizen’s academy. We will quadruple our efforts with youth protection.

What efforts would you make to reduce crime among juvenile offenders? We will be in the forefront of youth protection in Southeast Idaho. We will expand the 'Career Camp' and start a 'Sheriff’s Camp' for at risk kids. We will work within the community policing districts, schools, and church groups to teach a 'Youth Protection Program' in reference to internet safety, pornography addiction, gun safety, stranger danger, bullying (personal and internet) as well as expanding DARE. We will support and facilitate after school programs with volunteers/positive role models. We will start the 'School Adopt-a-Deputy Program’ in which deputies will be assigned specific schools to walk through while on patrol.