Voters narrowed their choice in the August primary for the Kandiyohi County sheriff role to two candidates - Eric Holien and Greg Stehn. On Nov. 6, county voters will select one to replace County Sheriff Dan Hartog, who is retiring after 16 years as the top county law enforcement officer.
County voters have two experienced law enforcement officers to consider to be the law enforcement leader as the Kandiyohi County sheriff.
Holien is an 18-year law enforcement officer. He is currently working as a Lower Sioux Tribal police officer and part-time Meeker County sheriff's deputy. He served 15 years in the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office, including as a SWAT team leader, patrol division corporal, field training officer, K-9 officer, water safety deputy and firearms instructor. Previously, he served as police chief and officer with the Cosmos Police Department and he is a U.S. Army veteran.
Stehn is a 29-year law enforcement officer. He is currently the Kandiyohi County chief deputy. He has also worked in the department as a captain, jail administrator, dispatch center supervisor, patrol sergeant, detective and deputy in the department. He previously worked as a Stevens County Sheriff's Office deputy.
This race has evolved into a charged political race in recent weeks with Holien's allegations of administrative ineptitude, jail mismanagement and poor morale within the current Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department. He claims the department's morale is at an all-time low. And he recently alleged the jail was understaffed and not meeting regulatory standards, but provided no evidence to support the allegations.
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Stehn has not responded in kind but continued to campaign with a focus on what he says he will do if elected as sheriff. He said he would listen to those in the department who are not happy and hear their concerns. He says he is prepared to lead the department in a "positive and ethical manner," while remaining calm under pressure.
Voters now have a choice to make for the next Kandiyohi County sheriff.
Stehn is the best candidate to be the leader of Kandiyohi County law enforcement, with the experience to lead the department into the future.
He has 22 years of experience in the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office. He has served with integrity as a department leader and has been fiscally responsible in his roles.
Stehn plans to continue prevention and enforcement efforts as his administration's priorities, while evolving programming to respond to the needs of the community.
He believes his professionalism and integrity will serve him well if elected sheriff. He said it is essential for all in the department "to treat people with respect."
Stehn will also embrace new technology, such as body cameras and other new developments as needed. He plans to seek employee input on policies and direction of such initiatives. It is essential to develop support for new technology initiatives by involving staff members in the process, he said.
He has pledged to listen as well to the public's concerns and seeks to forge partnerships with the communities served by the department. He is stressing communication and transparency with the public.
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Stehn has led programming initiatives to address community needs. A current example is the TRIAD program, which seeks to inform seniors and prevent fraud and abuse among seniors and other vulnerable populations through education and enforcement.
The chief deputy has supervised the 911 center in serving Kandiyohi County as well as Big Stone County, which has provided budget savings and experienced staff for both counties. The future will call for similar collaboration in law enforcement as technology development, population decline and budget needs create opportunities for new endeavors.
Stehn has the experience, dedication and leadership needed to lead the department into the next decade while protecting and serving all the residents of Kandiyohi County and its communities.
The West Central Tribune recommends voters elect Stehn as the next sheriff of Kandiyohi County.
