This is in response to the letter submitted by Joel Erickson. Unfortunately, the writer states many false statements in defense of Sheriff Bob Kindler in attacking Kurt Freitag candidate for Freeborn County sheriff.

Mr. Freitag does have higher education beyond high school: associate’s degree in law enforcement, completion of the required law enforcement skills program, successful passing of the Peace Officers Standard and Training Exam — POST. These are the minimum to become a peace officer without reciprocity. And to become hired with a department there are written, oral, physical fitness, medical and psychological exams and background checks that need to be passed.

The writer apparently is unknown to the military where Kurt has served and does not weigh in the additional Army education he has received basic and advanced noncommissioned officer training. This training includes leadership, integrity, esprit de corp, teamwork.

Mr. Freitag has been divorced two times, not four. I have met his current wife, articulate, intelligent and enjoyable to chat with.

Sheriff Kindler did sue the county for a salary increase, well aware of what his salary would become as sheriff and loss of overtime pay. He could have removed himself from the election and continued making more pay as a detective/supervisor, that was his choice to run for sheriff.

Mr. Freitag has written a concurrent article, which demystifies the other false statements being made at him by others.

If you read Sheriff Kindler’s pamphlet or website, he does not have any statements noting leadership as a quality. I would rank leadership as the No. 1 requirement as a sheriff. With leadership everything else follows and you solidify a great team. Unfortunately it has been stated morale is at its lowest.

The sheriff has stated he is focused on strategic planning; this is not a 365-day task.

Sheriff Kindler distanced himself from deputy Dale Glazier, when the deputy was put on administrative leave for two months for a personal issue, which ended up not having any merit. The sheriff stated he wanted to keep the integrity of the investigation. As a person would you not want at least some moral support from your leader, even if you were running against him for Sheriff’s Office? Dale is not the first deputy to be out on administrative leave for an extensive period of time. I have been told deputy Glazier is liked by all of law enforcement in the area.

I am supporting Kurt Freitag for Freeborn County sheriff.

 

Joe Roberts

Albert Lea