To the editor:

It is my pleasure to endorse Michelle Zehnder Fischer for Nicollet County Attorney.

I have worked for the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years; 12 years as a deputy and 12 years as an investigator. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with Michelle Zehnder Fischer as both an assistant County Attorney and in her current capacity as the Nicollet County Attorney. Michelle’s years as an assistant County Attorney prepared her for a smooth transition upon former County Attorney Mike Riley’s retirement in 2011. She has hired a dedicated staff that care about and listen to victims of crime and understand the frustrations victims feel as their case makes it through the legal system.

In my capacity, I have had the opportunity to communicate with and observe Michelle make very difficult decisions in tough cases. In my opinion, we have been fortunate to have such a dedicated professional to work with at the County Attorney’s office. Michelle makes herself available at all hours for law enforcement when unique situations arise and there is a need for legal advice after hours or on the weekend.

Michelle was also very supportive of the “Minnesota Girls Are Not For Sale Campaign,” which has led to over one hundred arrests in Nicollet, Brown and Blue Earth Counties of individuals who were exploiting women and girls for sexual gratification. Michelle has also taken time to always volunteer over the years to train peace officers with the latest changes in Minnesota law regarding search warrants, sexual assaults, DWIs and many more.

As a citizen of Nicollet County, I want to see a prosecutor who is fair, not afraid to take tough cases to trial and who genuinely cares about families and children, who are often times in crisis when the legal system gets involved. I can assure all of you that Michelle Zehnder Fischer meets these criteria.

For these reasons and many others, Michelle Zehnder Fischer has earned the endorsements of the deputies and investigators unions in Nicollet County as well as the St. Peter and North Mankato police officers unions.

Please take the time to vote on Nov. 6 to reelect Michelle Zehnder Fischer for Nicollet County Attorney.

Marc Chadderdon

Nicollet