As your sheriff, I have tried to represent Freeborn County and our residents both fairly and professionally. Bob Kindler, at a recent debate, described me as being tenacious, personable and someone who is a friend.

The description of tenacious is “holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.” I take this as a positive trait. I try to manage operations and provide public service and safety effectively. While at times I may be perceived as tough or persistent, my focus to do my best has always been my intent.

The description of personable is “having an agreeable or pleasing personality; amiable, sociable.”

I believe openness and accessibility are important to be sheriff. I meet with many people to discuss their needs and to try and help them each week. I am consistent and almost predictable because I believe in doing my best and trying to reach the best benefit for everyone involved while being fiscally responsible. I am bound by my oath to uphold the laws.

I realize in today’s economy, we are fortunate to have good jobs. At a hiring panel in Owatonna recently, 240 individuals applied for an opening. The field was narrowed to 10 candidates. Many people are seeking good jobs, and even though insurance premiums are high, we have solid employment that we need to be thankful for.

I support my staff, union and non-union, to provide our residents with the best service we can.

Public safety is a 24-hour job, and we each knew when we were hired that scheduling demands days, nights, weekends and holidays. I will continue to support fair scheduling for all employees and continue to seek their input as we have benefited from aggressive management including budgeting responsibly, utilizing grants and fundraising opportunities and revenue opportunities we have found. Our immigration contract is unique because it is not available to other counties. We have added 17 jobs when other counties have been reducing. We have earned more than $2.8 million to operate this contract and reduce our operational expenses and pay back our building debts. We have received grant awards for our radio system upgrades because we went after them early and aggressively. The grants may not be available when others decide to build on.

We constantly look for additional revenue opportunities or ways to reduce costs. I utilize a team concept where supervisors are tasked with varied operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Together we offer many ways to provide best services. I plan to provide continuity of operations by expanding training and providing more ways for the Sheriff’s Office to be able cover our responsibilities.

Freeborn County has a talented staff. I am proud of the accomplishments achieved during my first two terms as sheriff. We have worked tirelessly together to accomplish these goals.

I look forward to continuing as your sheriff, and I ask for your confidence in voting for me.

I am the same person you have twice elected. Your trust is well-founded.

Mark Harig is the sheriff of Freeborn County.