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Wednesday, August 30, 2006
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Candidates for sheriff cite strengths SHERIFF FORUM Associate Editor Two weeks before the primary that will whittle the competition down to two, Crow Wing County's three sheriff candidates on Tuesday stated why they were best suited to be the county's top law officer.
Each candidate emphasized his strengths before a small crowd at the Brainerd High School Little Theatre and a television audience that watched on Charter Communications' and Consolidated Telecommunications Company's cable channels.
The three candidates who took part in the 90-minute forum were Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang, Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Todd Dahl, and Brainerd Police Officer Troy Schreifels.
Klang emphasized the technology he has used to help modernize the department, demonstrating the 3 x 5 index cards that were used to book prisoners before he was sheriff. He cited the networking he's done with other law enforcement agencies.
Dahl argued that his training, education and experience made him the best candidate, citing his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bemidji State University and his training at the FBI Academy.
Schreifels pledged to build a strong management team, emphasize communication and be accountable to the public.
"It's all about being visionary," Schreifels said.
All three promised to be accessible to the public.
The problems associated with Crow Wing County's growth were addressed by the three law officers. Schreifels said the county should collaborate with other agencies when it came to fighting methamphetamine use. Klang said it's a challenge to administer the extra resources needed to monitor DUIs, drug violations, ATV enforcement and water patrols during the summer. Dahl said the department has grown from 12 to 43 officers in the time he's been on the force.
"We provide the services necessary," he said of the department. "We get the job done."
Tackling the issue of the county's preparedness to handle natural disasters, Schreifels said that communication was vital. Dahl said preparation was the key to success and more training could be done. Klang said he has worked with emergency management personnel in putting together mock drills.
"We've been looking at those scenarios," he said. "I think we're on our way to being prepared."
All three expressed their satisfaction with the new Crow Wing County Jail.
Other issues included:
OVERTIME ¥ "At no time can we cut something if it jeopardizes the public safety," Schreifels said.
The 24-hour-a day schedule poses unique scheduling challenges according to Klang.
"I certainly wish we could predict crime," Dahl said. "We don't want to jeopardize personal safety. We can't predict when people are going to have overtime."
YOUTH ¥ "Young people are a priority," Klang said, mentioning his role as a youth leader at church and his role as the father of four boys. "It's important for young people to have good role models."
Dahl said he was the county's first DARE officer and noted his experiences as a baseball and hockey coach and an instructor of martial arts.
"We have to find something for them to do," Dahl said.
Schreifels said building rapport with youth is important because they are our future.
SEXUAL OFFENDERS ¥ The three candidates expressed satisfaction with the current system where deputies check up on sexual offenders and make sure they're living where they say they are.
MANAGEMENT STYLES ¥ Klang said he favored the team approach and was an inclusive style manager who set the direction for the department.
Dahl said that the county's management team has done a good job and he's had to change his style to look at the big picture.
Schreifels said he would surround himself with the right team and will work to provide vision for the department.
THEIR FRIENDSHIP ¥ All three said they had agreed they would remain friends no matter the outcome of the election. Klang said that having to run against an employee could be a challenge.
"It gives people a chance to pick a candidate they believe in," Klang said. "We'll work through it."
"No doubt it will put a strain on our friendship," Dahl said, but added that they would overcome that.
Schreifels said he was running for the office and not against the other two law officers.
"We'll remain friends," he said.
TECHNOLOGY ¥ Klang said progress has been made in joint records management and mobile computers so information is ready faster.
"The groundwork (for much of the technology) was well in place before Eric was on board," Dahl said.
Schreifels said technology was important but it couldn't replace people.
MIKE O'ROURKE can be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.
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