County sheriff announces candidacy for re-election
Published 5:00 pm Saturday, May 10, 2014
Freeborn County Sheriff Bob Kindler on Friday announced he will seek re-election this fall.
Bob Kindler
Kindler, elected in 2010 as sheriff, has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 27 years.
He is the second person who has announced a campaign for the seat. Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputy Kurt Freitag announced his intentions last July.
The official filing period opens May 20.
Kindler, 54, said when he ran for sheriff in 2010 he wanted to reduce his budget through reorganization and elimination of wasteful spending. He also hoped to increase professionalism and morale within the Sheriff’s Office and have more strategic planning and increased cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, according to a news release.
“Over the past three years, I was able to meet or exceed all of these goals,” he said. “The reorganization combined with the elimination of needless overtime was hugely successful and contributed to saving the county taxpayers over $198,000 in just the first year alone.”
Kindler said the department has improved its emergency preparedness and response and embraced new technology. The department is installing in-car computers in the squad cars and plans to install a new video system as well.
Kurt Freitag
He said he has increased the training budget for the deputies and support staff. He has also explored sharing services with other law enforcement agencies when possible for cost reduction and to avoid duplication.
“I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved within the Sheriff’s Office,” Kindler said. “I have taken a portion of the tax dollars saved and wisely invested in education and technology to better meet the needs of citizens and position the Sheriff’s Office to meet future demands.”
Kindler is married to his wife, Laurie, and resides in Albert Lea Township.
Freitag has worked for the Sheriff’s Office since 1995 and at that time he announced he would run for office said he thinks the services provided by the department were lacking. He said he thinks the Sheriff’s Office has been in a state of decline.
“I welcome the competition and I wish him luck,” Freitag said, “and for the good of the county and the people of the county, may the best man win.”
