Matt Clifford for Sheriff Media Page
Media Contact: Communications Director, Cortney Lyskoski info@mattcliffordforsheriff.com
Sheriff Clifford in the Media:
PRESS RELEASE
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PRESS RELEASE *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lieutenant Governor Bedke, Speaker Moyle, Majority Leader Monks, Commissioner Dayley, Prosecutor Bennetts, and Ada County Sheriff Clifford to Attend Exclusive Event at Topgolf
Ada County, Idaho – We are pleased to announce an exclusive gathering hosted at Topgolf featuring some of Idaho’s most respected leaders. Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, Speaker of the House Mike Moyle, Majority Leader Jason Monks, Commissioner Tom Dayley, Prosecutor Jan Bennetts, and Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford will all be in attendance for an evening of networking and camaraderie.
This exclusive event will allow members of the press a unique opportunity to connect directly with these esteemed officials. Elected officials will be available for on-air or on-the-record conversations, providing insight into their goals, commitments, and perspectives on Idaho’s future.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Cortney Lyskoski, Communications Director, Matt Clifford For Sheriff Campaign
info@mattcliffordforsheriff.com
208-703-2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford Secures Major Endorsements in Re-Election Campaign
Ada County, ID – Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford has received widespread support and key endorsements from top elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and community organizations as he seeks re-election this November. A native Idahoan with deep conservative values, Clifford has built a strong reputation for his commitment to public safety, constitutional principles, and serving the Ada County community throughout his 24-year law enforcement career.
Since being elected Sheriff, Clifford has worked diligently to strengthen community ties, modernize law enforcement practices, and maintain Ada County as a safe place to live, work, play, and raise a family. His leadership, dedication and commitment to conservative values have earned him the trust of both law enforcement professionals and community leaders in Ada County and the state of Idaho.
Key Endorsements for Sheriff Matt Clifford Include:
Governor Brad Little
Congressman Russ Fulcher, who stated, “Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to the citizens of Ada County for over 21 years. Sheriff Clifford has proven to be the dedicated leader we need to keep our citizens safe, and he has my endorsement.”
Congressman Mike Simpson
Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts
Ada County Commissioner Rod Beck
Ada County Commissioner Tom Daley
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Kuna Mayor Joe Stear
Meridian Mayor Robert Simison
Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike
Garden City Mayor John Evans
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue
Valley County Sheriff Kevin Copperi
Mark Johnson, Region V Chairman, IDGOP
Ada County Sheriff's Office Employee Association
Treasure Valley Lodge #11 of the Fraternal Order of Police
Code 3 to 1 Retired Law Enforcement Officers of Idaho
Meridian Firefighters Union Local #2311
Ada County Republican Party
These endorsements highlight Clifford’s strong leadership, his focus on public safety, and his deep connections within the community.
Accomplishments as Ada County Sheriff
Since his election, Sheriff Clifford has implemented several key initiatives that have had a positive impact on public safety across Ada County:
Community Policing & Crime Prevention: Clifford has expanded community outreach programs, such as “Navigating the Ada County Criminal Justice System” and National Night Out. His office has also worked closely with HOAs and senior citizens to combat fraud and provide critical education on public safety.
The Opioid Crisis & Drug Enforcement: Clifford has led the charge in the fight against the opioid epidemic, partnering with Treasure Valley Task Forces to combat drug trafficking and successfully seizing dangerous amounts of fentanyl, keeping these drugs off the streets.
Mental Health Initiatives: Clifford has strengthened the Crisis Intervention Team by adding another clinician to assist deputies on mental health calls. He has also improved mental health services within the Ada County Jail to ensure those in need receive proper care.
Officer Training & Accountability: Clifford has prioritized training for Ada County deputies, ensuring they are equipped with the latest de-escalation techniques and technologies, such as force options simulators, to enhance public safety and accountability.
Financial Responsibility: Clifford has effectively managed the Sheriff’s Office's $115 million budget, cutting unnecessary costs while ensuring that resources are properly allocated to critical public safety needs. His careful management led to savings of $1.7 million, which has been reallocated to future law enforcement initiatives. Clifford’s stewardship has ensured that Ada County law enforcement remains well-funded and able to respond to the community’s needs while being fiscally responsible.
Disaster Preparedness & Cybersecurity: Under Clifford’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has enhanced its disaster preparedness and cybersecurity protocols. He has also implemented body cameras for all deputies to ensure transparency and build trust with the community.
Recruitment & Retention: Recognizing the challenges in law enforcement recruitment, Clifford has established a recruiting officer position and implemented strategies to retain highly skilled law enforcement professionals, ensuring that Ada County remains a well-staffed, effective agency.
Matt Clifford’s Family and Values
Along with his professional accomplishments, Sheriff Matt Clifford is a committed husband and father with deep-seated family values. He and his wife Karen (high school sweethearts) have been married for 25 years, and he recently had the honor of walking their daughter down the aisle at her wedding. A lifelong Idahoan, Clifford’s conservative values are reflected in his leadership and dedication to serving the people of Ada County with integrity.
Message from Sheriff Clifford to Ada County Voters
“In addition to everything else that weighs on you when it comes to choosing the best candidate for Ada County Sheriff, I encourage voters to make one more consideration when casting your vote this November:
Relevant Experience. So many things have changed and evolved in our community and worldwide in the last 5 years, many of which have made exponential impacts on our law enforcement communities. Those of us in active law enforcement have grown, developed, and gained critical experience during this time. Please research your candidates. If they lack experience in active law enforcement in the last 5 years, or if they’ve been out of active law enforcement since before the invention of the iPhone, ask yourself if their resume truly has any relevance in today’s law enforcement culture.
I have experienced first-hand what it is to serve this community with selfless dedication through it all. I’ve worked ‘in the trenches,’ side-by-side, with my fellow deputies and partnering agencies. I’ve earned their trust and respect and will continue to do so, leading Ada County with honor and integrity."
For more information on Sheriff Matt Clifford’s re-election campaign, visit www.MattCliffordForSheriff.com.
Media Contact:
Communications Director, Cortney Lyskoski
info@mattcliffordforsheriff.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sheriff Matt Clifford’s Visit to U.S.-Mexico Border Reveals Alarming Concerns Impacting Ada County
Ada County, Idaho – September 9, 2024 – Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford recently spent a week at the U.S.-Mexico border, gaining critical insights into the real situation at the border and the far-reaching impact it has on communities like Ada County. Sheriff Clifford’s visit highlighted several key concerns, including the escalating opioid crisis, irresponsible financial costs to taxpayers, and the devastating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by criminal cartels.
“The opioid crisis that’s sweeping our county and nation is heavily tied to what’s happening at the border,” said Sheriff Clifford. “But the issues go beyond just drugs. The human and financial toll is far greater than many realize.”
The Opioid Crisis and Financial Responsibility
Sheriff Clifford has made fighting the opioid crisis a top priority for his administration. Drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are being smuggled across the southern border, contributing to addiction and overdose deaths in Ada County.
“Fentanyl is pouring into our communities through the Mexican border,” Sheriff Clifford said. “This is a direct threat to our families, and it’s a battle we must continue to fight.”
In addition to the opioid crisis, Sheriff Clifford was alarmed by the staggering financial burden placed on taxpayers. He learned that processing centers for those apprehended after crossing the border illegally cost $500,000 per day to operate.
“This is an astronomical amount of taxpayer money being wasted daily,” Clifford emphasized. “We must prioritize financial responsibility, and spending millions of dollars to manage illegal crossings is not the answer. These funds could be better spent protecting and enhancing safety within our communities.”
Broader Concerns: International Influx and Gang Activity
While many people assume the southern border issue mainly involves Mexican nationals, Sheriff Clifford learned that people from 187 different countries cross the U.S.-Mexico border. In Yuma, AZ, alone, individuals from a diverse range of nations enter the U.S. illegally.
“What we’re seeing at the border is a global issue, not just a regional one,” Clifford remarked.
The Sheriff’s conversations with other law enforcement leaders revealed another growing concern. Two sheriffs from Wisconsin told Clifford that their communities are now dealing with increased gang activity due to illegal Venezuelan immigrants who entered the U.S. through the Mexican border. “This is a problem they’ve never faced before, and it’s directly tied to our border security failures,” Clifford said.
Human Trafficking and Cartel Exploitation
Perhaps the most disturbing issue Sheriff Clifford learned about during his trip was the exploitation of families by criminal cartels. Many families attempting to enter the U.S. illegally fall victim to cartels who promise safe passage but instead subject them to horrifying abuse, including torture, rape, and extortion. These families are often forced into smuggling drugs, while others are trapped in human trafficking networks.
“This is truly heart-wrenching,” Clifford said. “These families, hoping for a better life, are being preyed upon by cartels. Opening the border only encourages these criminals to exploit vulnerable people further. Instead of offering safety, it increases human trafficking and suffering.”
A Call for Change
Sheriff Clifford’s week at the U.S.-Mexico border has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these critical issues. He plans to advocate for stronger border security, responsible financial management of tax payers dollars, battling human trafficking and increased efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Ada County.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening,” Clifford concluded. “The consequences of our border policies are reaching every corner of this nation, including Ada County, and we must take action to protect our community.”
For further information or to arrange an interview with Sheriff Matt Clifford, please contact Communications Director, Cortney Lyskoski: info@mattcliffordforsheriff.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sheriff Matt Clifford Announces Key Endorsements from Prominent Community Leaders and Organizations Throughout Ada County and Idaho
Ada County, Idaho – September 25, 2024 – The Matt Clifford for Sheriff Campaign is honored to announce the widespread support and endorsements from numerous distinguished leaders and organizations across both Ada County and the State of Idaho. These endorsements highlight Sheriff Clifford's trusted leadership, dedication to public safety, and his commitment to fostering meaningful relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Sheriff Clifford has received endorsements from the following prominent officials and organizations:
Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts
Ada County Commissioner Rod Beck
Ada County Commissioner Tom Daley
Congressman Russ Fulcher
Congressman Mike Simpson
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Kuna Mayor Joe Stear
Meridian Mayor Robert Simison
Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike
Garden City Mayor John Evans
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue
Valley County Sheriff Kevin Copperi
Ada County Sheriff's Office Employee Association
Treasure Valley Lodge #11 of the Fraternal Order of Police
Code 3 to 1 Retired Law Enforcement Officers of Idaho
Ada County Republican Party Nominee
"I am incredibly humbled to receive the support of such influential and respected leaders from across Ada County and Idaho," said Sheriff Clifford. "Our shared vision of community-driven policing, transparency, and public safety is at the core of my work as Sheriff. These endorsements are a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve built, and I remain committed to ensuring that Ada County continues to be a safe place to live, work and play."
Along with his deep gratitude for these endorsements, Sheriff Clifford had the following message for Ada County voters:
“In addition to everything else that weighs on you when it comes to choosing the best candidate for Ada County Sheriff, I encourage voters to make one more consideration when casting your vote this November: Relevant Experience. So many things have changed and evolved in our community and worldwide in the last 5 years, many of which have made exponential impacts on our law enforcement communities. Those of us in active law enforcement have grown, developed, and gained critical experience during this time. Please research your candidates. If they lack experience in active law enforcement in the last 5 years, or if they’ve been out of active law enforcement since before the invention of the iPhone, ask yourself if their resume truly has any relevance in today’s law enforcement culture.
I have experienced first-hand what it is to serve this community with selfless dedication through it all. I’ve worked ‘in the trenches’, side-by-side, with my fellow deputies and partnering agencies. I’ve earned their trust and respect and will continue to do so, leading Ada County with honor and integrity.
Thank you for trusting me to be your Sheriff.”
Sheriff Clifford has consistently led the way in pioneering crime prevention strategies, enhancing community outreach, and creating pathways of communication between law enforcement and citizens. Throughout his tenure, he has strengthened Ada County's safety initiatives, ensured fair and just policing, and prioritized the well-being of the entire community.
With the support of local mayors, county commissioners, state law enforcement organizations, and the Republican Party, Sheriff Clifford’s campaign has built a broad and diverse coalition, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the values and safety of Ada County and Idaho as a whole.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Sheriff Matt Clifford, please contact Communications Director, Cortney Lyskoski: info@mattcliffordforsheriff.com.
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