In a letter to the Tribune printed Oct. 2, the writer claims that Sheriff Bob Kindler made poor choices since being elected and listed them. I disagree and would like to add facts to clarify those statements!

Claim: He sued the county for more money.

Fact: When elected, Bob asked the commissioners to be paid the same base wage as he had been paid the previous year, requesting no increase. They instead set the wage $8,000 less. Feeling that his request was fair, by law his only recourse was to file in Freeborn County District Court to have a judge look at it. The judge sided with the county. Sheriff Kindler took an $8,000 pay cut to be elected sheriff.

Claim: ICE is losing money.

Fact: The ICE program is more than “barely existing.” In fact, in 2013 it brought in $1.6 million. Obviously the ICE program continues to generate an excellent source of revenue for Freeborn County and is far from barely existing. All four detention centers in Minnesota that hold ICE detainees housed fewer detainees in 2013 because of Immigration Reform and the government shutdown when no money was available.

Claim: He remodeled his office — twice.

Fact: Holes were patched and spot painted that were left by the previous sheriff in 2011. Bob replaced the 25-year-old broken desk that was built for Sheriff Don Nolander. He also purchased a chair and two filing cabinets. All were in the furniture and equipment budget. No carpets or window coverings were replaced and the entire office was not painted. No remodeling was done, ever.

Claim: Marcellino Peña lawsuit.

Fact: The Minnesota Court of Appeals found in favor of Freeborn County and dismissed the Peña lawsuit on the state level. That was about 18 months ago and is public record. Peña then filed a lawsuit in federal court, the outcome of which is still pending. I do agree with the writer that the public’s eyes would be opened if they knew about all the victims that came forward to complain about Mr. Peña, and what their complaints were. Google the Peña lawsuit and see for yourself.

Now, regarding a comment that referred to Chuck Malepsy and me as being puppets of Sheriff Kindler because we both support him and have written letters to the editor, we were called bullies for having an opinion and sharing it. We were also told to grow up. Apparently we grew up as we both had over 30-year careers at the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. Chuck was promoted from patrol to detective supervisor. I was promoted from jail to patrol to records and communications supervisor to courthouse security. How many promotions has your friend received? Chuck and I both served under three sheriffs and we both worked with the candidates so we feel qualified to have an opinion on who would be the best sheriff! Neither of us will gain anything by Sheriff Kindler being re-elected: no jobs, no pay, no favors. All we gain is what all the residents of Freeborn County gain, an honest, professional sheriff!

I appreciate Lake Mills’ interest in our sheriff’s election but whoever your source is, that person is far from correct.

The only right choice would be to vote for Bob Kindler for sheriff!

 

Don Westland

Albert Lea