Why did so many people run for sheriff in 2010?

In 2010, three people stepped up to run against incumbent Mark Harig for Freeborn County sheriff. I ask you, why is that? I was one of the candidates who ran against him. I was not a disgruntled ex-employee of the Sheriff’s Office as he claims. However, I ran for sheriff because change is needed!

Bob Kindler is that change. Not only is Kindler honest, but he is a man of his word. He is highly respected among his peers, and he is consistently fair and will make the citizens of Freeborn County his first priority. You may have known Mark Harig for five, 10 or even 30 years, but have you ever worked with him, for him or alongside him?

There are six of us who can say we worked for Sheriff Harig. Furthermore, six experienced officers also left the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office after Harig was re-elected in 2007 or shortly before due to lack of leadership, favoritism, impartial treatment and threats. Harig’s rebuttal to this fact throughout his campaign has been “these officers left for better pay and benefits.” However, I can honestly say these factors never influenced my decision to leave. The leadership, or should I say lack thereof, did. It is time for the citizens of Freeborn County to have a sheriff who will treat his employees fairly, honestly and make the safety of Freeborn County residents his No. 1 priority. Bob Kindler will make the Sheriff’s Office more effective, efficient and be the leader this county needs.

I am voting to elect Bob Kindler for Freeborn County sheriff on Tuesday. He is the ethical and effective choice.

Ryan Merkouris

Albert Lea