During the initial campaign in 2001, the overwhelming issue for many of the citizens was how we were going to pay for this new government center without raising local taxes. Mark listened to that feedback. He has leveraged both state and federal grants to acquire necessary training and equipment for the department. Through much hard work, Freeborn County was awarded the Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract in June of 2009. This contract has not only generated $2.8 million but also created 17 new full-time positions within the department. This success has certainly had a positive impact for our local economy and generated recognition throughout Minnesota. I have personally been contacted by several of the surrounding communities that are envious of our success during these most challenging of economic times and desperately seeking similar solutions to solve their own budget crisis.

Mark Harig is a man of integrity. During the last eight years, Sheriff Harig has worked diligently to improve the department and has always had the best interest of the citizens in mind. I am not going to list his experience or all of his many accomplishments as he has done an excellent job of that throughout this campaign. He has been an active community volunteer throughout his entire career. As a leader, Sheriff Harig has brought accountability and direction to a department that was sorely lacking in both. Changes have been made to improve the department and the service we provide. Unfortunately, some employees do not embrace change and have the typical entitlement mentality of what is in it for them. Sheriff Harig works for you the citizen, not the individual wants and needs of the employees.

Bob Kindler has been a detective supervisor for the last 15 years. My question for Bob is, what are your accomplishments? I don’t want to hear about what you are going to do, what have you done? Bob’s entire campaign has been negative. He and the other disgruntled employees have spent the past few months spewing inaccuracies and blatant lies. One example are his comments regarding eliminating waste by changing hourly positions to salaried thus reducing overtime. Apparently, due to Bob’s lack of administrative experience, he doesn’t understand that position classification is not within his control but governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The galleries are full of critics — they play no ball — they fight no fights. Bob, what are your career stats? He is very proud of the fact that he is aligning with the Teamsters and some of his coworkers think he is a nice guy.

What do the citizens want? A swell guy that claims he will do more with less or a strong leader with a proven track record? Dan Belshan said it best, “Mark Harig has taken a lemon of a detention center and made lemonade for the taxpayers of Freeborn County.” I encourage all citizens to re-elect Sheriff Mark Harig.

Marcellino Peña

jail administrator

Freeborn County

Albert Lea