Lake County taxpayers are currently footing the bill to house inmates in McHenry County—because our own jail can’t stay staffed. That’s not just inefficient; it’s unsafe, costly, and a reflection of failed leadership.

Roman Buchberger will fix this—from the inside out.

He knows the jail is more than a holding facility. It’s a turning point. And under his leadership, it will be a place where correctional officers feel respected—and where inmates have the opportunity to turn their lives around.

Roman’s plan includes:

• Launch a 90-day staffing and morale restoration initiative, ending our dependency on McHenry County by recruiting new officers, repairing internal culture, and strengthening shift coverage;

• Rebuild respect and leadership inside the jail, with clear expectations, consistent scheduling, and honest communication;

• Raise standards and remove favoritism, so professionalism is the norm—not the exception;

• Work in good faith with union leadership, to retain and reward officers who do the job with integrity;

• Expand rehabilitation programs, offering life skills, job readiness, and educational opportunities while serving their sentences.

Roman’s approach reflects his core belief in prevention and redemption. When someone is impacted by the criminal justice system, it’s not just a sentence—it’s a moment to intervene, educate, and prepare them for a second chance. That’s why he’s already building partnerships that will give these people real tools for success—so they don’t come back through the system.

This is personal for Roman. He knows what it’s like to struggle—and he knows what it takes to move forward. That same belief in redemption will guide how he leads the jail.

Lake County doesn’t need another four years of excuses. It needs a Sheriff who will lead from the front and treat the jail as a place where safety, integrity, and transformation come together.