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Friday, September 8, 2006
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Campaign fun for Schreifels
Staff Writer Though campaigning the past seven months has at times been long and stressful, Crow Wing County sheriff's candidate Troy Schreifels is having fun.
"Especially getting out there and meeting people," he said. "There's a good percentage of people out there who like to hear what you have to say."
Schreifels, 36, has been a Brainerd police officer since 1996. This is his first run for political office. His campaign platform includes being visible and accountable to residents of Crow Wing County, working on crime prevention and education efforts with residents and community groups, listening to residents on public safety issues and expanding his work with youth and educational resources.
On Tuesday, Schreifels will square off against Eric Klang and Todd Dahl in the primary election, where two candidates will be selected to continue onto the Nov. 7 general election.
Even though he announced he would run for the sheriff's position in February, Schreifels said he is realizing he won't be able to knock on as many doors as he would like.
"But I'm trying," he said. "It's a big county. At the very least, it's been great meeting the people. What an experience. You've got to start somewhere."
Troy Schreifels
Age: 36.
Residence: Brainerd.
Education: Graduate of Brainerd Community College and Hibbing Community College, where he received his law enforcement practical certificate. Also attended St. Cloud State University.
Professional background: Breezy Point police officer from 1991-1996; Brainerd police officer 1996-present, where he is currently a school resource officer. He's also an instructor in the Law Enforcement Skills Program at Central Lakes College and Hibbing Community College. He has served as an instructor for firearms, physical fitness, chemical agents and defensive tactics and as a field training officer. He also has served on the Crow Wing County Child Protection Team, the Crow Wing County Tactical Response Team, Net VI Drug Task Force.
Civic/community involvement: Brainerd School District Community Education Board and Long Range Strategic Planning Committee, the Franklin Junior High School Task Force, the Brainerd Community Action Board, Crow Wing County Child Protection Team, Lakes Area Childhood Coalition and county coordinator for the Torch Run for the Special Olympics.
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Schreifels said he has received good feedback on issues important to many Crow Wing County residents. One of the more important issues for most residents, he said, is having a sheriff and a sheriff's department that's visible and accessible.
Also important to residents is that the county continue to combat methamphetamine addiction and crimes, especially among young people.
"People know it's not only affecting us here, but throughout the country," Schreifels said. "We need enforcement, intervention and education."
Another big issue that's been raised on the campaign trail has been the use of all-terrain vehicles. Schreifels said about half the people he's talked to are in favor of stricter rules governing ATV use, about half against. He said the solution will be compromise.
"We need to bring the two parties together and say, 'What do we do? We need collaboration,'" he said.
If anything, Schreifels said the campaign has been an excellent learning experience. In fact, he said he is learning something new about the political process every day.
"Knowing what I know now, even two months ago we'd be light years ahead of where we are now," Schreifels said. "But that's true with any first-time campaign."
In 2002 Schreifels was named Brainerd Police Officer of the Year and Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in Crow Wing County. Before becoming a Brainerd police officer, he worked for the Breezy Point Police Department from 1991-1996.
Schreifels and his wife, Julie, have two children, Serena, 9, and Evan, 7.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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