It’s time for me to speak up. I’ve recently retired from the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office after more than 30 years of service. That means I was there longer than both candidates, and I believe I can give good insight into who these men are. I’ve worked alongside each of them and have seen what they are capable of.

Sheriff Bob Kindler has always been a go kind of man that everyone could and did turn to for assistance on investigations and even in personal life. I saw him in action in critical incidents such as the Hollandale floods, the devastating countywide tornadoes and many large and complex investigations. He was always there, never put the Sheriff’s Office or the people of Freeborn County second to anything.

When he was elected four years ago he made several promises to Freeborn County. He would work within his budget, eliminate excessive spending, restructure the agency and hold everyone accountable for their duties. I saw him work hard to bring these promises to fulfillment. I believe he has accomplished many of his goals and is well on his way to completing the few remaining goals.

I watched deputy Kurt Freitag start his career in Glenville and eventually move into patrol with the FCSO. As he developed his career I saw his self-serving nature come out. Throughout his career, I, as well as others, questioned his honesty on and off duty. His work ethic was questionable unless it was in his interest or he could demand more financial compensation.

On numerous occasions he has been heard on the radio pushing calls off onto others because he had intentions of stopping for lunch or coffee. The idea that calls interfered with his plans flowed over to the office, too. More often than not you can find deputy Freitag sitting in his cubicle. There, too, he often requested others to take calls assigned to him.

I believe law enforcement personnel should live to a higher expected standard of life on and off duty. Sheriff Kindler has done this day in and day out his whole career. I’ve trusted him with my life and I’d trust him with my checkbook. We can all trust him as sheriff and with our tax dollars to act ethically, spend intelligently and use his experience, training and knowledge in the best interest of the people of Freeborn County.

I cannot say anything of the sort about Freitag. This is obvious throughout his history and even now in his campaign that is filled with twisted facts and deceit. I recently heard of a conversation between a co-worker and Freitag in which Freitag was confronted after the debate about his attacks, deceitful statements and lies. His response was something like, “You just don’t know how politics work.” What could he mean by this? Could it be, it’s OK to lie to the public?

There is only one clear cut candidate for Freeborn County sheriff. That’s why I fully support Bob Kindler for sheriff, 2014.

 

Chuck Malepsy

Albert Lea