Kellerman to seek fifth term as sheriff
Perry County Sheriff Keith Kellerman announced today he will seek a fifth term in office on the Democrat ticket. First elected in 1998, Kellerman cited his fiscal policies that helped the county government pull out of persistent deficits, increasing revenue sources to the department and modernization of the department's technology and equipment as several reasons why he deserves to remain in office.
The newspaper understands that Kellerman already has the endorsement of the Perry County Central Committee. The formal announcement is expected later this week.
Other announced candidates include Democrat Dennis Cole and Republicans Gale Reidelbrger and Steve Bareis.
"When I took office, Perry County was troubled with persistent financial problems that forced it to borrow money against future tax collections just to pay bills," Kellerman, who has spent 22 years with the department, said. "Working with the board of commissioners and other office holders, we found ways to erase those deficits and return the county to sound financial footing."
Kellerman's fiscal accomplishments include:
• Renegotiated the contract with the U.S. Department of Justice to house federal prisoners resulting in an additional $100,000 in revenue a year
• Increasing the department's pursuit of grant money resulting in the hiring of a Victim's Advocate Officer (half the salary covered by a grant), the purchase of three new squad cars (one covered fully by grant money and the two others at 75 percent grant money)
• Establishing an ankle bracelet monitoring system to reduce costs to the jail by putting low-risk inmates under house arrest
• Reduction in staff from 52 employees in 1998 to 45 employees today without sacrificing service or protection
"I am constantly looking for ways to streamline operations to save money but with keeping the safety of our citizens the priority," he said. "My record shows that I am able to accomplish both."
Kellerman said he has also been a leader in adopting new technologies. He created a department website to better communicate with citizens, started CARETRAK to help quickly locate patients with Alzheimer's disease may have wondered from home assisted in the development of a new software program that allows area law enforcement agencies to share information about local criminal activity.
Kellerman said he has helped solve several high profile cases during his tenure including the murder of a Du Quoin taxi driver, a double murder in Du Quoin, a serial rapist terrorizing Du Quoin and Pinckneyville, the Sidnee Stevens murder and the Galum Church burning and attempted murder. He also served on the legislative commission of the Illinois Sheriff's Association which was instrumental in mandating pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in making Methamphetamine, be kept behind the counter and the registration of those purchasing it.
Community outreach has also been an important goal of Kellerman's, he said. During his tenure he has given away 60 scholarships to local student to help them continue their education, sponsored the Perry County Youth Court to keep first time juvenile offenders out of criminal court and has worked with the U.S. Attorney's Office on a heroine/drug awareness program.
Kellerman is a lifelong Perry County resident and Pinckneyville Community High School graduate. He also holds degrees from Rend Lake College and Temple University in criminal justice. He spent four years in the Navy before joining the department.