There are three candidates running for the L.A. County Sheriff position: two department veterans, Bob Lindsey and Alex Villanueva, and incumbent Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

In the coming month ahead of the June 5 primary, we’re doing interviews with all of them. Earlier this week, we interviewed Bob Lindsey. Today, Larry Mantle sits down with Alex Villanueva, a former lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he served for three-decades. He has criticized the current Sheriff Jim McDonnell for not effectively dealing with corruption in the department and says his insider position gives him better knowledge of how to achieve this goal. He says he also aims to expand the department’s patrol operation and subsequently cut down on certain programs, such as public relations campaigns.

We discuss Villanueva’s resume, as well as his critiques and hopes for the department.  

To hear AirTalk’s interview with L.A. County Sheriff’s race candidate Bob Lindsey, click here.

Ready for Election Day? Get up to speed on what you need to know with KPCC’s Voter Game Plan. Read up on the candidates and ballot measures, find out about registration deadlines and ask us your questions.

Guest:

Alex Villanueva, one of the candidates for the L.A. County Sheriff’s race; he is a former lieutenant with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, where he has served for 32 years