To the editor:

Before this election, I knew little about Jason Seidl or Jeff Hohensee. I was aware of Jeff’s work from the police reports in the Journal and his coordinating the city deer hunt. Without family or friend loyalty to either Jeff or Jason, I have decided to support Jeff Hohensee based on information in the Journal and the League of Women Voters’ forum. I share my reasons for the safety of Brown County citizens.

A sheriff should be a leader who knows the concerns of the citizens. At the League of Women Voters’ forum, a question directly addressed this topic: “What do you consider the biggest concern of Brown County residents?” Chief Deputy Seidl’s answer was mental illness. His omission of any reference to sex crimes shows a lack of awareness about the safety of women, girls, and children. How can this be because he surely knew of the Brown County investigator involved with the operations of the Sex Trafficking Task Force? The last three years there have been 111 arrests. There is a safety problem in our communities.

Jeff Hohensee’s answer to the question was sex crimes and drug abuse. His specific response was based on the number of prisoners charged with these crimes entering the county jail. A major concern of citizens is the safety of family members from this crime. Jeff’s involvement in the Sex Trafficking Task Force demonstrates true leadership. Jeff showed his leadership ability in collaborating with other counties during the formation of the Sex Trafficking Task Force, coordinating stings, and writing and receiving grant proposals. This program cost Brown County citizens zero dollars. This also shows Jeff as fiscally responsible.

Be informed. There is a difference between Jason and Jeff. To ensure safety for all family members, vote for Jeff Hohensee based on his ability as a leader.

Roger Klockziem

New Ulm