To the editor:

The campaign for Brown County Sheriff is coming to an end. There has been a tremendous amount of information shared by both Chief Deputy Seidl and Sr. lnvestigator Hohensee. For me it comes down to whether or not a change is needed or if the current team is on track in leading the department.

I looked at whether or not there is an increase of concern by current employees within the Sheriff’s office for a need to change, and actually, those employees in the Sheriff’s Office who work with Chief Deputy Seidl have and are totally supporting and endorsing him in his campaign and would like to see him lead the team.

I considered whether other law enforcement leaders within Brown County indicated they want a change because of interactions with the current leadership. Again, the majority of law enforcement agencies and Brown County law enforcement leaders endorsed Chief Deputy Seidl which speaks to the relationships that have been developed.

I attended the Forum, and as Sr. lnvestigator Hohensee stated he would consider changing the 24/7 coverage

throughout Brown County. I agree with Chief Deputy Seidl that the proposal to stop 24/7 deputy coverage would provide a relatively small cost savings but at the same time eliminate both the ONLY coverage for rural areas and backup for smaller communities at certain times. 24/7 deputy coverage was a great addition to the Sheriff’s office and should be continued. l feel strongly about the continuance of this service as I reside in rural Brown County, and I know if I need them in the middle of the night, I would want them there as soon as possible for the safety and wellbeing of my family or any other family/person in need.

The current administration of Sheriff Hoffmann and Chief Deputy Seidl are doing a tremendous job as leaders of the Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Seidl was the Brown County Jail Programmer when I worked as a Correctional Officer for 7 years, and his leadership, loyalty, dedication, professionalism and passion for his employment with Brown County Sheriff Department has been amazing, and still is, he has my vote on Nov. 6.

Karla Bauer

Sleepy Eye

Former Brown County

Corrections Officer (7 yrs)

Former Brown County

Sheriff Reserve Officer (22 yrs)