Indiana State Police Major Jerry Williams led the Democratic nomination Tuesday for Lake County Sheriff in a six-candidate race.
The Democratic candidates for sheriff were Steven Flores, Jason Gore, Edward Jenkins, (Jack) John Gregory Sanchez, Maria Garcia Trajkovich and Jerry Williams.
Williams received 10,137 votes, Flores received 8,447 votes, Jenkins received 6,916 votes, Gore received 6,880 votes, Trajkovich received 5,174 votes and Sanchez received 1,187 votes, according to unofficial Lake County election data that will be approved by the election board May 15.
Indiana State Police Major Williams has worked for the Indiana State Police for 33 years. Williams, a Gary native, said he decided to run for sheriff to give back to his community.
Williams said Wednesday morning that after campaigning for two and a half years, he appreciated the work and effort put forth by his family and campaign team.
“It was totally a team win based on our platform and really wanting to get our message out there about doing something bigger than ourselves. The voters obviously agreed with it,” Williams said.
Williams said he appreciated the hard work the other candidates put into their campaigns. He believed his message of bringing professionalism, integrity and accountability to the sheriff’s office resonated with voters, Williams said.
Williams will likely face Republican David K. Crane Jr., who ran unopposed, in November. As he starts to look to the general election, Williams said his messaging will remain the same: to reach out to collaborate with all stakeholders “to start to build a sense of unity throughout Lake County and throughout all of our communities.”
“So that once we get through, and if we are victorious come November, then we can hit the ground running as a community to do something bigger than ourselves … which is make Lake County safer,” Williams said.
If elected, Williams said he would implement a policy on day one that no employee can participate in a sheriff’s campaign. Then, Williams said he would like to address the financial challenges that the department has faced.
Williams said he will also work to address the conditions of the jail and hire more correctional officers. He said he would also like to address the infrastructure at the county animal shelter.
While with the Indiana State Police, Williams said he’s managed a budget of more than $400 million in daily assets, so he will bring that experience to the sheriff’s office.
“It’s something I don’t have to think about. It’s something that can go right into motion and put into place for the level of transparency and fiscal responsibility that I know will be needed,” Williams said.
Gore said he was disappointed in the results, but thanked his family, friends and campaign team for all their hard work.
“I congratulate Mr. Williams and hope he runs the department in a way that Lake County residents can be proud of. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Department and residents of Lake County deserve that,” Gore said.
Jenkins said Wednesday that he would like to thank his family and friends for their support.
“I think we ran a good, clean race. We were very honorable in everything we did. I would like to congratulate sheriff-elect Major Williams, and I will do all that I can to support him,” Jenkins said.
Trajkovich said it was an honor to run for sheriff and she thanked her family, friends and the community for their support.
“While I did not win, I stand proud of the campaign I ran – with grit, integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to serve. I truly believed in my ability to lead, and I gave this journey everything I had,” Trajkovich said.
akukulka@post-trib.com
