I am and always will be a law enforcement officer first and foremost. I am not a politician. As sheriff, my first responsibility is to protect the citizens of Macoupin County. I have spent my entire career helping to build the Macoupin County Sheriff's Department and I have always taken pride in the department and its employees.

When I decided to run for sheriff, I promised myself three things: there would be no dirty politics; to be true to the residents of Macoupin County; and to be true to myself. I am an honest person and will stand by my statements.

I can tell you that it was the most embarrassing moment of my life. The weapon, which has been my duty weapon for 15 years, was never lost and was only out of my possession for five or six minutes before it was found by prison personnel and returned to me. I never denied anything or tried to cover anything up. And while it was the most embarrassing moment of my life, I can't tell you how grateful I am for everyone that showed their support when the incident became public knowledge.

There's a multitude of ways we can go with this, but it ultimately will come to a judge. It's unfortunate that this happened.... Obviously there will be no resolution today.

Should Des Moines have multiple revenue streams? The answer is yes. Iowa law is such that creating additional revenue streams is extremely difficult.

There are several instances under the law that someone is excluded from executive session.