Jason Seidl (left) and Jeff Hohensee

BROWN COUNTY — After a rigorous campaign over the past few months with lots of parades and door knocking, voters will determine who the next Brown County Sheriff will be in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 General Election.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jason Seidl and New Ulm Police Department Senior Investigator Jeffrey Hohensee survived the August primary election, advancing to the November ballot.

Seidl had 3,306 votes (54.88 percent) and Hones got 1,605 votes (26.64 percent). Brown County Deputy Jason Fairbairn received 617 votes and former Brown County Deputy Matt Ibberson got 496 votes.

Primary election voter turnout was heavy, particularly at township voting sites. Election judges reporting two to three times or more the number of voters compared to last year.

Seidl said he has received lots of positive feedback from people on the campaign trail, especially for his longevity with the sheriff’s office.

“People like the direct experience I have in being with the sheriff’s office for more than 24 years, the past 12 years as chief deputy–second in command,” Seidl said. “They appreciate the fact that the sheriff and I have successfully supervised and managed the $3.9 million budget, the staff of 46 people and that I’ve had a hand in planning for current and future needs in the sheriff’s office.”

In addition, Seidl said people told him they respect outgoing Brown County Sheriff Rich Hoffmann’s endorsement of Seidl’s campaign.

Seidl said that while many people are familiar with and see deputies on patrol in the county, a number of folks are not aware of other sheriff’s office duties like managing the dispatch center with a dozen dispatchers and a supervisor who staff it around the clock. Their duties include taking 911 calls, regular business phone calls and dispatch fire departments, ambulance services and law enforcement in the county.

In addition, Seidl said the sheriff’s office operates the county jail with 16 correctional officers, ensuring the safety and security of incarcerated inmates plus court security, which oversees the safety and security of two courthouse court rooms.

The sheriff’s office is also responsible for maintaining court warrants and verifying active warrants when people are arrested; plus transporting people arrested back to Brown County from other counties or other states when they are arrested on a Brown County warrant.

Seid’s sheriff’s office initiatives include implementing a full-time emergency management director, senior citizens and community meetings, expanding the Drug Take-Back program and adding a canine unit and drone to be used as a county-wide resource.

Seidl said that while the primary election results were very favorable for him, he knows it was just one step in the election process.

“I continue to go door-to-door and introduce myself to the voters, as I have done since my announcement that I was running for sheriff,” Seidl said. “I’d like to thank all the people who came out and voted for me in the Aug. 14 primary election. The support I’ve received throughout the campaign has been overwhelming and humbling. I have enjoyed meeting new people and seeing familiar faces along the way. I am proud of have worked for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for the past 24 years to wish to continue to do so as your sheriff. I look forward to continuing my campaign and your continued support towards the general election, and most importantly your vote on Nov. 6.”

Hohensee said during his door-to-door campaign, he learned that people don’t know the candidates very well and are interested in understanding the differences in our specific qualifications.

“The citizens tell me they want to be informed,” Hohensee said. “I tell them about 27 years of diverse, full-time police experience. During Jason Seidl’s 24 years with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, half were served as a civilian employee, not a full-time police officer.”

Hohensee said he’s concerned about what appears to be a recent increase in felony crimes.

“I’m currently investigating an arson that occurred at B&J Laundromat and burglaries at Southside Auto, Carl’s Corner, R&R Bait & Tackle and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Church,” Hohensee said. “My involvement in these investigations reminds me how important experience and training are to the successful conclusion to these types of investigations.”

Hohensee said he’s excited and grateful to be running.

“I’m excited because many of the people I talk with are recognizing the differences between me and Jason Seidl,” Hohensee said. “I’m grateful because people are taking the time to discuss these important issues with me. These discussions give me confidence that the voters will make a well-informed decision.”

Hohensee said he’s heard rumors that if he’s elected sheriff, Brown County taxes will increase.

“I’d like everyone to know these accusations are false and intentionally misleading,” Hohensee said. “I’ve reviewed the Brown County Sheriff’s Office annual budget and spoken with Brown County commissioners. The sheriff doesn’t have the ability to raise taxes. That authority belongs solely to the Brown County commissioners.”

Hohensee said his intention, if elected, is to prepare a fiscally responsible budget while providing the most efficient and effective public safety services possible.

“I will not be increasing the budget, however after careful review, I have identified many areas of inefficiency,” Hohensee said. “I intend to increase the amount and quality of services that the Brown County sheriff Office provides. Unlike my opponent, whose main initiative is to obtain a canine unit, I believe this is a duplication of services that is not needed.”

Hohensee said the original cost of a canine unit is $50,000 to $75,000 the first year in addition to annual recurring costs of maintaining the dog.

“I plan to continue the long-term relationship with the New Ulm Police Dept. canine unit. It is unlikely that the cost will exceed $500 per year on average,” Hohensee said. “With these numbers in mind, it would be impossible for me to justify the cost of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office obtaining a canine unit.”

fbusch@nujournal.com