We are fortunate to have Mark Harig as our Freeborn County sheriff. He has completed many accomplishments and goals during his tenure if you view his website or pamphlet. The Immigration Customs & Enforcement contract revenue, inmate meal savings (prepared on-site), a significant increase in vending machine revenue due to switching suppliers, new firearms paid through fundraising and grant money. And other equipment he has attained through grants or donated from other agencies that he has acquired under his command, at no real expense to Freeborn County taxpayers. His pledge for his first term if elected was to focus on the reduction of methamphetamine production and drug use in which he accomplished successfully. His second term the ICE contract and the revenue that it brings in along with other cost savings measures. He has a staff that he relies on to help make goals a reality.

To me, Sheriff Harig shows compassion as a leader and it would be difficult to make the correct decision for everyone everytime and appease everyone all the time. Other campaigns are touting low morale and favoritism within the Sheriff’s Office. I asked Sheriff Harig about these concerns. I came away from the discussion that he tries to be fair to everyone, senior and new employees of the Sheriff’s Office. And in trying to be fair someone will be slighted when change is in effect. Another issue is the ICE contract. From my view every dollar we make is one more that we didn’t have. Who knows how long the contract will last? It’s like saying everyone will be model citizens tomorrow and our jail will be an empty shell. The sheriff indicated that it takes effort and customer service to make it successful and continue its success. Under Sheriff Harig’s management he has generated over $ 2 million in revenues and cost savings without effecting payroll reductions but actually increasing staffing. In comparison, his opponent’s goal is looking to save only $60 to 100,000 dollars per year by staffing changes which includes eliminating his own current pay bracket slot.

It takes a strong manager to make the difficult but needed decisions within the various roles that the sheriff has to make. Change is a necessity of any business whether it is public or private. I find it refreshing that Sheriff Harig is treating his department not solely as a taxpayer burden. Sheriff Harig has thought “out of the box” in bringing in additional revenue and cost savings measures. From what I gather from him is, if you are a part of his staff, the effort you put in is the success that you will have.

I reviewed the documented accomplishments of both candidates and saw the debates. Mark Harig has been described as “tenacious” in successfully achieving the goals that he sets for himself and the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office.

I am voting to re-elect Sheriff Mark Harig for Freeborn County sheriff.

Joe Roberts

Albert Lea