“I would like to offer my full support to Chief Deputy Jason Seidl. He has 24 years experience with the Sheriff’s Office, 12 years as the Chief Deputy, and knows the Sheriff’s Office through and through. Seidl is the candidate that I ask you to support.”
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 21, 2018
Brown County Sheriff’s Deputies endorse Seidl
To the Editor:
Members of the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Union, Local #94 voted by a count of 7-0 in favor of endorsing Chief Deputy Jason Seidl in his candidacy for Brown County Sheriff. LELS Local #94 is comprised of Brown County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant, Investigation, and Patrol Deputy positions.
Our support for Chief Deputy Seidl was based on a number of factors. We are personally familiar, and share a working relationship with both candidates. We have followed both campaigns closely. Both candidates also completed a questionnaire detailing their professional history, and future plans as Sheriff.
Taking these factors into consideration, we believe that Chief Deputy Jason Seidl best represents the public safety needs of Brown County citizens. Jason has a clear vision for the direction of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and the work experience to see it through. LELS #94 has had a strong working relationship with Chief Deputy Seidl and looks forward to continuing this relationship beyond the election. We extend our endorsement to Jason with the utmost confidence in his ability to fulfil the duties of Brown County Sheriff.
LELS #94 would also like to thank the citizens of Brown County for their continued support of the Sheriff’s Office and the law enforcement community throughout Brown County.
Eric Schwarzrock
President, Brown County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Union;
LELS Local #94
Law Enforcement Labor Services
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 21, 2018
BC Dispatch Supervisor supports Seidl for Sheriff
To the Editor:
I would like to invite you to join me in supporting Jason Seidl for Sheriff. I have worked with Chief Deputy Seidl at the Sheriff’s Office for the past 24 years. Jason is a team player. He is honest and hardworking. He does not boast, but gives credit to those working with him. He understands that the employees here are well trained and very capable of doing their jobs and that they are committed to doing them well and he respects that. He is thorough, forward thinking and conscientious in his decisions. Jason is open to ideas regarding change and has always had an open door policy. When creating a County budget, he thinks and plans ahead and is conscientious about department spending, while still making sure that the different divisions within our agency have the tools they need to do their jobs well. He respects and works well with the other agencies in the County. Jason understands all areas of the Sheriff’s Office as he has experience in all areas. He takes into account how his decisions affect the County and employees as a whole. He is calm and level headed and has been a big reason why our office runs so smoothly. The fact that he is overwhelmingly supported by the employees of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as retired administrators and other law enforcement within our County, is a great testament to the job that he does. His administrative experience and leadership skills would make his transition to Sheriff seamless as he already has the experience needed to successfully run our office. His selection as Sheriff, would allow us to continue as the well-respected, professional office that we are. Please join me in choosing Jason Seidl for Sheriff on November 6.
Gina Winter
New Ulm
Dispatch Supervisor
Brown County Sheriff’s Office
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 20, 2018
Sheriff Hoffmann encourages support for Seidl
To the editor:
As the Nov. 6 election nears, I wanted to take this time to thank the people throughout my 12 years in office that have supported me and trusted me in the decisions I have made as Brown County Sheriff. I’ve truly appreciated your support and kindness, and I can’t thank you enough.
With that being written, one of the very first decisions I made in my tenure as your Brown County Sheriff was to appoint Jason Seidl as Chief Deputy of Brown County. While carefully making this decision, I felt Jason would give his best to the position and to the citizens of Brown County. Throughout the past 12 years of working alongside Jason, it only reassured me that choosing him to be Chief Deputy of Brown County was the right choice.
Time and time again, Jason has proven to be a person the staff can turn to with his guided leadership and trusted knowledge. Jason has proven to be helpful and positive regardless of the situations that are presented to him within the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, as well as with the general public. I’ve had the privilege to witness his professionalism first hand and have commended him many times over the years for it.
During my time working alongside Jason, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office has been met with many challenges. These challenges have not just been confined to Brown County; however, some have been extended to the state and even national level. During such time, Jason Seidl’s professionalism, knowledge, confidence and the ability to work with many other agencies and professionals benefited everyone involved for the best possible outcome each and every time. I take pride in knowing that every challenge the Brown County Sheriff’s Office met during my time in office was aided by Jason Seidl at my side with the best interest of the citizens of Brown County in mind. I look forward to having the comfort of knowing these challenges will be met in the future with success and efficiency if Jason Seidl is elected Brown County Sheriff.
I truly feel that Jason Seidl is the best person to be your next Brown County Sheriff. Jason has many qualities that assure me of this. Jason is positive, honest, professional, knowledgeable, transparent, trustworthy and most important — genuine. If you know Jason, you will agree with me that he possesses these traits; join me in voting for Jason Seidl, as your next Brown County Sheriff, on Nov. 6.
Rich Hoffmann
Brown County Sheriff
New Ulm
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 20, 2018
Former jail administrator backs Seidl
To the editor:
I am fully supporting and endorsing Chief Deputy Jason Seidl for Sheriff of Brown County. I worked with Jason Seidl for 14 of my 33 years with the Sheriff’s Office. Jason is man of high integrity, both in his professional and personal life.
Jason Seidl understands how critical it is to follow policy, court orders and state statutes to maintain the trust of the citizens of Brown County and other agencies the Sheriff’s Office works with.
There have been several letters supporting Jason Seidl for Sheriff; most have detailed the diverse duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff. Jason Seidl is the candidate with the most experience in all of those duties and responsibilities, which includes the jail.
The jail is a major division of the Sheriff’s Office. Of the total Sheriff’s Office budget; over $1.5 million of the budget is jail related, better than a third of the Sheriff Office staff work in the jail. The jail and jail staff, along with Dispatch/9-1-1 are as important and require as much consideration and support as any other division in the Sheriff’s Office.
Jason Seidl’s opponent has little or no experience when it comes to the jail, 9-1-1/Dispatch and many other aspects of the Sheriff’s Office.
I am confident that as Sheriff Jason Seidl will continue to serve the citizens of Brown County in professional and fiscally responsible manner.
Vote for the candidate with the most comprehensive experience, vote for Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff.
Paul M. Wieland
New Ulm
Retired Brown County Jail Administrator
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 19, 2018
County Sheriff’s Office union supports Seidl
The members of Law Enforcement Labor Services #98 (LELS union, comprised of jail staff, dispatchers, and records clerk of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, overwhelmingly support Jason Seidl in the upcoming Sheriff election. Our union comprises two thirds of the current staff that is employed by this office.
We have complete confidence that as sheriff, Jason will lead with the in depth knowledge that he has attained from being employed by the Sheriff’s office for the past 24 years. For the last 12 of those years, he was employed as Chief Deputy and became out “go to “person in the office. He knows every aspect of the duties that this office is responsible for and how to handle them. He does so with an approachable style but remains very professional.
Jason treats everyone here at the office fairly and often expresses his appreciation to staff for the work we do. He is hard working and dedicated. We believe in his ability to serve the citizens of Brown County. Please join us in supporting Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff on November 6th.
Ryan Froehlich
President, Brown County Sheriff’s Office
Correctional Officers and Dispatcher Union, Local #98
Law Enforcement Labor Services
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 17, 2018
Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff
To the editor:
We are fortunate to have two individuals with considerable law enforcement experience vying for the position of Brown County Sheriff. I offer my support for Jason Seidl, who I believe has not only the most relevant experience, but also the attributes best suited for this leadership position.
I have known and worked with Jason for the duration of his time with the Brown County Sheriffs department, in my capacity initially as the Manager of the Mental Health Services at the New Ulm Medical Center, and later as the Director of Operations for the Medical Center, prior to retirement in 2015.
Throughout this time Jason has proven to be dedicated to joint problem solving and collaboration in meeting the needs of the patients and staff. Always respectful in our communications, he demonstrated compassion towards those with mental illness, understanding that the difficult behavior being displayed was often symptomatic of their illness. He is a strong advocate for the plans to staff a mental health worker at the jail to assess those with suspected mental illness and help determine the most appropriate disposition. This has proven in other locations to reduce time spent in jail, the likelihood of reoffending, and the costs of managing this population. It is well documented that persons with mental illness are over-represented in the criminal justice system, with estimates ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Our failure to identify and treat these individuals for their mental illness is a recipe for repeated offenses, and added cost to taxpayers.
In his current position, Jason has experience with all facets of the operation of the Sheriff’s Department, which will allow him to make a smooth transition into the Sheriffs position. Jason understands that true success in the department is dependent on the leader’s ability to engage all of the employees, who will be instrumental in operationalizing the changes and carrying out the everyday duties of the department. He has demonstrated the skills of a team builder, which will be critical as the leader of this important department.
Jason is visible in the community, through his coaching and other community involvements. He is an exceptional listener, always respectful of the various viewpoints that are shared. He can be trusted to follow up on requests, and will give fair consideration to suggestions for how the department might improve. Community relations will be a priority for Jason. I have tremendous respect for Jason as a person, as a law enforcement officer, and as a leader, and wholeheartedly offer my support for Jason for Sheriff.
Steve Schneider
New Ulm
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 16, 2018
Sheriff’s Office sergeant supports Seidl for Sheriff
To the editor:
For the past several months, I have been getting asked numerous times who I’m voting for to be our next Sheriff. What is my answer? Jason Seidl is my answer. Why? I have an insider’s knowledge of both candidates. I have been employed with the Brown County Sheriffs Office for the past 25 years. I have worked as a dispatcher, jailer, and I’m currently employed as a Sergeant under Sheriff Hoffmann’s command. I’ve worked with both candidates throughout my 25 plus year career. I have worked with three different Sheriffs in my career so I have seen several different styles of leadership. As a supervisor, I get to personally see what Sheriff Hoffmann and Chief Deputy Seidl deal with on a daily and yearly basis. I’ve seen that it takes more than one person to run the Sheriffs Office.
Over the years, Sheriff Hoffmann and Chief Deputy Seidl have dealt with situations that attract Local State, and National attention. I feel Jason Seidl has gained a considerable amount of valuable experience and has a very strong understanding of what it takes to efficiently run a Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Hoffmann and Jason Seidl have been doing this now together for the past 11 years. That’s 11 years of experience of running a Sheriffs Office and not hypothetically stating this is what I intend to do. Jason came into his current position as Chief Deputy with many years of experience from working inside our jail and also a prison so he has a very strong understanding of what it takes to run a jail.
I recommend people vote for a person that already knows the internal workings of running a Sheriffs Office and will know what to do when the position of Sheriff changes hands.
Ron Bentz
Brown County Sheriffs Office Sgt.
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 13, 2018
Seidl equals experience
I am writing you to join me in supporting Jason Seidl as the next Sheriff of Brown County. I have over 22 years of law enforcement experience with the New Ulm Police Department from 1996 to 2018. I currently serve as the Investigator for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and have witnessed firsthand, the many hats Jason balances at the Sheriff’s Office. The Office of the Sheriff is an administrative position, leading and managing each of the divisions that comprise the office. The divisions of the sheriff’s office include the emergency 911 communications center, or dispatch, the Brown County Jail, Court Security, Civil Process, Investigations, Patrol Division, Boat, Water, Trails, and Truck Scales. He has developed diverse experience amongst each of the divisions. The Sheriff’s Office has a $3.9-million budget. Jason is the one behind the scenes developing and managing the budget; he is an experienced administrator. He is what Brown County citizens need as their next Sheriff.
Most of all, Jason Seidl takes pride in not only doing things right, but doing things the right way. He is a true leader of the professional men and women who are proud to work at the Sheriff’s Office. Jason has the characteristics of a leader; he’s honest, he cares, he’s ethical, and he’s empathetic to the citizens of Brown County and the employees of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
There is no question that Jason Seidl has the administrative experience to serve the citizens of Brown County as their next Sheriff. Perhaps, most importantly, Jason Seidl does not view himself as being better than any citizen or any employee at the Sheriff’s Office. He is steady, calm, and down to earth. He knows his strengths and his weaknesses. In his 24 dedicated years to the Sheriff’s Office, he has developed the experience needed to lead now and in the future.
Join me on Nov. 6 in voting for Jason Seidl as the next Sheriff of Brown County. A vote for Jason Seidl is a vote for administrative experience.
Jeremy Reed
New Ulm
NEW ULM JOURNAL - saturday, Oct 13, 2018
Brown County Jail Administrator supports Seidl for Sheriff
I encourage you to join me in supporting Chief Deputy Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff. I first met Jason in 1994 when he started with the Sheriff’s Office. Jason has working experience in all of divisions of the Sheriff’s Office; administration, road patrol, jail, dispatch, court security, civil process, boat and water. Jason has the leadership skills and ability to motivate a diverse group of sheriff’s office staff to work together for a common goal.
Most importantly, though, I have learned firsthand that Jason is not just a man of high personal integrity and ethics, but most importantly, Jason also has the courage to make difficult decisions. As we all know the difficult decisions are the ones that are in the best interest of those you are serving versus ones that are convenient or in your personal best interest. Jail detention records would suggest that drug use is our most serious public safety problem followed by domestic assault, and driving while intoxicated. We need a sheriff who is more than an administrator and who has more than simple theory on how to tackle public safety issues in our county. An effective sheriff needs to have expertise in more than one area of law enforcement. Jason has that experience and knows how to deal with issues of public safety because he understands our county. Jason will approach the office of Sheriff with the same enthusiasm, innovation, respect, and confidence that he has shown as Chief Deputy.
In my 30 year tenure with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office I have had the opportunity to observe and work with many law enforcement personnel and I can’t think of a better or more qualified person to be our next sheriff.
Mike Mathiowetz
Jail Administrator
Brown County Sheriff’s Office
NEW ULM JOURNAL - SUnday, Oct 7, 2018
Retired Chief Supports Seidl for Sheriff
To the editor:
I was the “senior” active law enforcement officer in Brown County up until my retirement in June of this year. I was the long time police chief for the City of Comfrey. During those many years I worked closely with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriffs Bud Geschwind, Larry Pederson, Tim Brennan and Rich Hoffmann. They all ran very professional, respected and efficient departments for the citizens of Brown County. I am supporting Chief Deputy Jason Seidl as I feel he is the most qualified person to continue that long tradition of excellence in leading people.
I do admire and thank both candidates for running. I know from experience that seeking a county wide office is an arduous process.
Being the Sheriff is more about leading people than being superior in only one facet of law enforcement. The jail and all the custody officers, civil process duties, county wide dispatching responsibilities, overseeing secretarial employees, department budgeting responsibility, providing courtroom security, countywide water patrol responsibilities, supervising patrol deputies, working with various other entities including multi county drug enforcement are all things that Chief Deputy Seidl has already gained valuable experience in. That is why I am endorsing Jason Seidl. However the most important reason follows.
Whenever I have talked with Chief Deputy Seidl he rarely uses the word “I.” He talks about “we” when referring to Brown County law enforcement. Jason has learned his lessons well. The “art” of being the Sheriff is about leading people- not about what “I” have done. It is about what “we” can do.
Chief Jim Meyer (retired)
Nevis
NEW ULM JOURNAL - Saturday, Oct 6, 2018
Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff
I urge Brown County citizens to vote for Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff. I believe Jason Seidl is the most qualified for the job.
The duties of the sheriff are quite complex and would take long explanations. To summarize, they can be categorized into four areas all starting with the letter “C” – [1] Criminal, [2] Civil, [3] Custodial, and [4] Court. Here is a brief look at each category; [1] Criminal includes but is not limited to investigating crimes from vandalism, thefts, drugs, assaults, homicides and many others. [2] Civil includes serving many types of legal documents such as summons and complaints, replevin actions and garnishments to name a few. [3] Custodial involves the County Jail which the Sheriff oversees. This includes but is not limited to the responsibility for the safety and welfare of the inmates, transporting inmates back and forth to Court appearances, conducting prisoner transports and extradition transports. [4] Court. The Sheriff is an officer of the Court. The Sheriff is responsible for Court security, in charge of the jury, and carrying out Court Orders such as serving arrest warrants.
Jason Seidl has been serving the citizens of Brown County for 24 years, working in dispatch, the jail and as Chief Deputy Sheriff for the past 12 years. He administers the $3.9 million budget and oversees the Sheriff’s Office 46 employees.
Jason has been a dedicated employee and wants to continue his service to you, the Citizens of Brown County, as your next Sheriff. Personally, I know what is involved in carrying out the duties of Sheriff and Jason Seidl is the most qualified candidate for The Office of Brown County Sheriff.
Larry D. Pederson
Springfield
Brown County Sheriff 1983-2002 (Retired)
Wednesday, aug 18, 2018
Fairbairn Endorses Seidl
I would like to take the time to thank the people who supported me in my campaign for Brown County Sheriff. While on the campaign trail, I met some amazing people throughout Brown County and really appreciated their time and kind words. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their encouragement and being by my side every step of the way.
Since the election, I’ve talked to many family, friends and colleagues about the two remaining Brown County Sheriff’s candidates. With that being said, I feel that Jason Seidl is the best candidate to be our next Sheriff of Brown County. Through 12 years of working under current Brown County Sheriff Rich Hoffmann, I always felt he put the right people in the right position to succeed. Sheriff Hoffmann chose Jason Seidl as his Chief Deputy, and I feel Jason has succeeded in that position. Jason and I may have had different ideas during the campaign; however, I found out through this process that we agree on more things than not, and we both share the same passion in providing continued professional quality law enforcement services to the citizens of Brown County.
Jason Seidl may have been my opponent in the Brown County Sheriff’s primary race; however, I also consider him a trusted colleague and friend. Like all the staff at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Jason has exhibited professionalism and integrity in the years I’ve known him and worked with him. Furthermore, I strongly support Jason’s initiatives on senior citizen and community involved meetings, the drug take back program, and improved technology within the Sheriff’s Office. In 18 years of working alongside Jason Seidl, I’m confident that the goals he sets for the sheriff’s office to better the citizens of Brown County will be accomplished. Jason Seidl is a genuine person with core values who deeply respects the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. I ask you to support Jason Seidl in his campaign to be our next Brown County Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Jason Fairbairn
Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy
New Ulm Journal - Wednesday, aug 15, 2018
Seidl, Hohensee move on in Brown County Sheriff’s race
BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Sheriff’s candidates Jason Seidl and Jeffrey Hohensee and Brown County District 5 candidates Lynn Anderson and Jeffrey Veerkamp survived the Primary Election Aug. 14.
With all 13 precincts reporting, Anderson of rural Springfield had 471 votes (39.25%) of the vote. Jeffrey Veerkamp of Comfrey followed with 404 votes (33.67%), advancing to the November General Election ballot. Jack Vogel got 173 votes and Derek Tonn 152 votes.
Vote totals are unofficial. Brown County voting results will be canvassed at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 17 in the courthouse commissioners’ room.
With all 32 precincts reporting in the Brown County sheriff’s race, Brown County Chief Deputy Jason Seidl had 3,306 votes (54.88%) and New Ulm Police Senior Investigator Jeffrey Hohensee had 1,605 votes (26.64%), advancing to the November ballot. Jason Fairbairn had 617 votes and Matt Ibberson had 496 votes.
Primary Election voter turnout was heavy with election judges reporting two to three times the number of voters compared to last year. Bashaw Township really saw a big turnout with 73 voters, compared to about a dozen usually showing up for the Primary Election. Springfield saw about five times as many Primary Election voters as last year, judges said.
With all 32 Brown County precincts reporting, Republican voters favored Tim Pawlenty and Michelle Fischbach with 1,574 votes (49.48%). Jeff Johnson and Donna Bergstrom followed with 1,438 votes (45.21%). Matt Kruse and Theresa Loeffler had 169 votes.
The DFL race was more one-sided with Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan getting 1,828 votes. Lori Swanson and Rick Nolan got 453 votes and Erin Murphy and Erin Maye-Quade had 208 votes.
For U.S. Senate, Republicans favored Jim Newberger with 1,863 votes. Following were Merrill Anderson 571, Rae Hart Anderson 279 and “Rocky” Le La Fuente 154. DFL’ers favored Amy Klobuchar with 2.390 votes. Steve Carlson had 71 votes.
In the U.S. Senate Special Election, Republicans favored Bob Anderson with 1,501 votes. Karin Housley received 1,345 votes. The Democrats favored Tina Smith with 1,762 votes. Richard W. Painter got 240 votes.
For District 1 U.S. representative, the Republicans favored Jim Hagedorn with 2,348 votes. Carla Nelson got 512 votes. The Democrats favored Dan Feehan with 1,668 votes.
For attorney general, Republicans favored Sharon Anderson with 1,228 votes. Doug Wardlow got 1,067, and Robert Lessard had 624 votes. The Democrats favored Keith Ellison with 917 votes. Following were Tom Foley, 525; Debra Hilstrom, 425; Mike Rothman, 504; and Matt Pelikan, 152.
Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
New Ulm Journal - Saturday, Aug 11, 2018
Former Drug Force commander supports Seidl
To the editor:
My name is Jody Gladis and I just retired from the Marshall Police Department after 31.5 years of service. I am writing this letter in support of Chief Deputy Jason Seidl for Sheriff. I was the Drug Task Force commander from 2012 until my retirement in July 2018.
I have had the opportunity to work with Sheriff Hoffmann, Chief Deputy Seidl and their department on numerous occasions. I can say that I’ve had a great working relationship with both of them and their department. Their staff was professional, helpful, and hardworking. This shows me great leadership, cooperation, and direction.
Chief Deputy Seidl is understanding and supportive of the task force. He has always forwarded information that he had obtained from a complaint or concerned citizen. Jason has always been honest with me and asked questions to be properly informed.
I have also had the opportunity to work with Jeff Hohensee as a task force agent under his command. It takes more than one person to make a department a success, which is the reason I am endorsing Jason Seidl for Sheriff. Chief Deputy Seidl understands that it takes a team to make things work and be successful.
I fully support Jason Seidl to be the next Brown County Sheriff.
Jody Gladis
Marshall
Retired BLRR Commander
New Ulm Journal - Saturday, Aug 11, 2018
Sheriff Hoffmann supports Seidl
To the editor:
I want everyone to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve as your Brown County Sheriff for the past 12 years. I feel very blessed to work with the truly incredible staff that ensures our citizens have a safe and secure place to live and work.
That being said, I’d like to share my thoughts on the upcoming election. I support Chief Deputy Jason Seidl to fill the office of Sheriff. Jason began his career in Brown County as a dispatcher. He was the jail programmer for 12 years, where upon I asked him to become my Chief Deputy. In that capacity, he has worked with every one of our 46 employees; be it dispatch, correctional officers, deputies, or administrative staff. He is the “go to” person in this office, as he knows it through and through. He understands every aspect, whether it is civil, transports, court security, jail, dispatch, warrants, time cards, patrol cars, or the 3.9 million dollar budget.
Jason has partnered with many offices and organizations in the capacity of Chief Deputy, such as Court Administration, the County Attorney’s Office, Probation, the County Board, Emergency Management, Drug Task Force and all offices in the Courthouse.
He has shown his ability to lead time and time again. Not only is he capable of carrying out the duties of the Office of the Sheriff, he already has, many times over. He has forethought and planning for future needs as shown through the Courthouse security grant and the county-wide radio project.
Lastly, Jason is just an all-around nice guy. He has a quick-wit and a calm demeanor that serves well in countless situations. I am proud to work along side of him and to call him a friend. Please vote for Jason Seidl to be the next Brown County Sheriff.
Rich Hoffmann
Brown County Sheriff
New Ulm
NEW ULM JOURNAL - TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018
Seidl well qualified for Brown Co. Sheriff
To the editor:
It is not often that present or past party activists from different political parties see eye-to-eye on a candidate running in a primary, but with a candidate with the experience and knowledge that Jason Seidl would bring to the office of Brown County Sheriff, it is an easy thing to do. We join together in supporting Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff.
Present Brown County Sheriff Rich Hoffmann said recently in a statement of support for Jason: “He has 24 years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office, 12 years as the Chief Deputy, and knows the Sheriff’s Office through and through.” That is a very convincing endorsement.
Jason has successfully managed a $3.9 million budget for the last 12 years, making additions and deletions that are necessary for the optimum use of our tax dollars. He has the ability to work with other departments, which is crucial to the ongoing success of the sheriff’s office.
In addition, Jason has some great ideas that he would like to implement if elected. Among those that we are most impressed with are: Upgrading the Jail/Law Enforcement Center’s security and camera system; adding a K-9 unit and a drone to the Sheriff’s Office to be used as a county-wide resource; and hosting bi-monthly meetings with senior citizens and community members about current scams, financial fraud, and trending law enforcement issues.
We urge you to support Jason Seidl for Brown County Sheriff in the August 14 primary.
Lori Sellner
Former Brown County
DFL Party Chair
Gerald Woodley
Former Brown County
Republican Party Chair
NEW ULM JOURNAL - Wednesday, JULY 20, 2018
BLRR Drug Task force seizes more than $18K in currency
BROWN COUNTY — The Brown-Lyon-Redwood-Renville Drug Task Force (DTF) reports seizing more than $18,500 in currency used to buy or sell controlled substances over the past six months.
The DTF seized 1,388 grams of methamphetamine, 687 grams of marijuana and prescription pills and 10 grams of marijuana wax, over the same period. In addition, five firearms were located in residences over the same period, according to a Brown County Sheriff’s Dept. press release.
Several long-term investigations that were completed resulted in multiple arrests in Brown County including New Ulm and other county locations. A dozen search warrants were executed plus many undercover purchases resulted in 31 felony controlled substance arrests and warrant arrests with more arrests pending.
Six children were removed from residences were controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were located. The DTF works closely with child protection officers who provide services to children and their families.
Agencies involved in the investigations include New Ulm, Sleepy Eye and Springfield Police, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Brown County Family Services, the Minnesota Valley Drug Task Force and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
NEW ULM JOURNAL - Wednesday, JULY 20, 2018
Commissioners add coordinator to 2019 budget
NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved placing a community-based coordinator position in the 2019 Human Services budget, June 26.
Subject to final budget approval, the behavioral health worker would provide early intervention and jail diversion for the Brown County law enforcement community. The estimated $56,385 annual cost of the worker could be funded from a variety of resources in addition to a 20 percent base provided to Minnesota Human Service workers of this type.
The worker could begin Jan. 1, 2019, in the Brown County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and provide screening and referral to mental health clientele. In addition, the worker would work closely with jail staff to improve access to services for inmates, mainly mental health and substance abuse intervention.
There would be close collaboration between the behavioral health worker and the Human Services adult mental health unit, the public health jail nurse, probation agents and others in the system.
Brown County Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Social Service Supervisor Julie Hogen said the program is designed to engage services for people before they would have to go to a hospital. She said the job is an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. position and that a crisis center (Horizon Homes) would do screening at other times over the phone.
Brown County Sheriff Rich Hoffmann said the worker acts a guide to keep people from being repeat offenders, which winds up costing taxpayers lots of money.
Blue Earth County began an experimental “Yellow Line” project several years ago that received national acclaim and a great deal of replication interest from other counties. The program would start with a behavioral health worker in the law enforcement center with a human services background.
Commissioner Dave Borchert said the position “makes a lot of sense.”
Commissioners unanimously approved:
• Placing a community support program worker in the 2019 budget. The employee would work in conjunction with the behavioral health worker but would be located in the human services building and support all adult mental health and chemical dependency workers doing case management. The position would not be added until the caseload increased 10 or more from the 150 people it is now. Annual, estimated levy cost is $56,385.
Brown County Human Services Director Tom Henderson said the program could help avoid out-of-home placement costs that can be as high as $300 a day and last up to 18 months.
“Do the math and see how costly this can be,” Henderson said. “We’ve a number of juveniles who are aging out soon but we’ve got a 13-year-old with eight felonies.”
• By a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Scott Windschitl dissenting, including the cost of a new, full-time emergency manager position in the 2019 draft budget, subject to final budget approval. Windschitl asked about making the position three-fourths of full-time and possibly duplicated services.
Assistant Zoning Administrator/Emergency Manager Robert Santaella said the position would help survey recovery phases of emergencies that are needed to be eligible for reimbursement.
Commissioner Dennis Potter said the levy rises half a percent when one new staff position is created. He suggested making the request a budget call-back item.
The Planning and Zoning/Emergency Management office has only been able to do the minimum state requirements for some time, according to the request. A new position would be created to handle most emergency management duties.
The estimated cost to be included in the draft 2019 budget would be a $50,000 salary for the full-time position; $7,600 for payroll taxes and government retirement; and a family health insurance benefit estimated at $23,328. Position funding would be partially paid for by a $22,000 Emergency Management Planning Grant (EMPG) with a one-to-one county match.
Emergency management is a vital public safety component. Emergency management duties have grown over the years as have other department duties. Emergency management is key in a coordinated county disaster response, according to the request.
Approving the position will also free up time for the assistant zoning administrator/emergency manager to spend more time on zoning, septic and feedlot issues.
• Purchasing four FLIR Scout II 320 60 Hz thermal imagers for $7,600, plus shipping. The hand-held units would be assigned to specific deputies and would aid in search and rescue plus suspect apprehension. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office has been in the process of outfitting deputies with night vision/FLIR over the past few years. The items are budgeted for 2018.
• Putting $50,000 in the 2019 budget for payment of eligible residents to use a new mental health client assistance program that would allow county residents desiring mental health therapy services to choose their service provider.
• A resolution putting the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor on notice that Brown County will be retaining the services of a private CPA firm to conduct its audit beginning with the 2019 audit for 2020.
Brown County Auditor-Treasurer Jean Prochniak said a former state auditor now a county auditor/treasurer told her one county saved $13,000 by using a private CPA firm to do its audit. In addition, she said he told her to interview CPA firms, not just receive bids before hiring them.
• Authorized the Brown County Highway Department to survey and develop preliminary road construction plans to relocate 220th Street where it runs along the south side of the Cottonwood River, as it approaches CSAH 10, between Home and Stark Townships.
Brown County Highway Engineer Wayne Stevens said for the townships to make an informed decision, the county highway dept. offered to survey the area, design a preliminary plan and estimate its cost, as time permits.
• Declaring a state of emergency due to the June 2018 flooding, to allow Brown County to apply for possible state funding and/or federal assistance. Brown County’s state assistance threshold is $47,632.12 for public property damage. To qualify for federal aid, the county threshold is $95,285.24.
Santaella said he believes the county qualifies to assistance due to road washouts and slumping.
Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
PRESS RELEASE - Wednesday, June 6, 2018
I was chosen as Chief Deputy of Brown County in 2007 by newly elected Sheriff Rich Hoffmann. Through the years, we have worked closely together and have achieved many accomplishments that have kept our Sheriff’s Office current and able to better serve our citizens.
Under my direction, we have attained a shared, countywide recordkeeping system. Our record management system is used by each agency in the county and we can view what is being recorded by other departments in our county. It is a positive arrangement for us all and has benefited us greatly.
The Sheriff’s Office web page has an up-to-date jail roster and current list of active warrants. The public can leave tips for us on an untraceable tip line.
Together, this office and Emergency Management have implemented the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and Nixle emergency warning systems that are utilized when emergency situations arise in Brown County.
We have implemented the enhanced radio coverage (Armor) throughout the county for all emergency personnel as well as the County Highway and public works. An unused radio tower was converted over to the Armor system in Sleepy Eye area and a bi-directional amplifier was placed on the Springfield water tower to improve coverage in the county. The paging system for the New Ulm Fire Department was also upgraded and has since been moved to the county tower at the law enforcement center. This eliminates a rental fee and is tied in with our backup power source.
Our department is the leading agency that provides ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) in our schools, hospitals, government entities as well as private industries. It is unfortunate that mass shootings have become a part of our lives, but we believe we must be as prepared as we can be.
Keeping in mind that the Sheriff’s Office is tasked with the security of the courts, I have applied for and received the full amount of the Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative Grant. This grant of $50,140.00 will be matched by the state of Minnesota to be used to upgrade our security camera system in the courthouse, implementing card reader door locks, and making the area of Court Administration much more secure. This upgrade will vastly improve the safety of our staff and the general public.
This office is the first in the county to use e-charging and e-citation, a paperless filing of court documents.
Through grants, we have provided all area police departments with life jackets for their squad cars as well as Gumby suits for area fire departments. We have also donated life jackets to all libraries in the county, so the public can check them out when planning a boating excursion.
In recent times, police work has come under scrutiny, requiring the actions of the officers and deputies to become transparent. The Sheriff’s office was the first in the county to use body cameras, therefore eliminating any questions when interactions can be viewed on film.
We are in the process of adding two safety cells into our jail. The padding provides an injury free environment for inmates who are undergoing crisis.
The Sheriff and I have added a deputy position, which makes it possible to provide 24 hour coverage in rural areas.
The budget is under constant management and development. I have successfully managed the 3.9 million dollar budget for the last twelve years, making additions and deletions that are necessary for the optimum use of our tax dollars. One example of this is the moving of our outdoor firing range to save us $2,000.00 annually and making it possible for area law enforcement to train there as well.
Our agency has had two high profile cases in the years that I have been Chief Deputy, the Daniel Hauser medial case and the Vasquez murder case. Both were handled professionally and obtained the best possible results given the circumstances, because of the highly skilled staff that I work with. They spend countless hours working diligently to bring justice to those who deserved it.
I was born and raised in Sleepy Eye. I graduated from Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s high school. I went on to Minnesota State University Mankato, where I graduated with a degree in Law Enforcement and a minor in Corrections. I was employed by Prairie Correctional Facility until hired by Brown County in 1994. I started as a dispatcher, then worked as Jail Programmer when the newly constructed Law Enforcement Center opened. I have worked under three Sheriff’s and have acquired different skills and perspectives from each one. I understand how the Office of the Sheriff operates and I work closely with everyone in each of the departments (Jail, Dispatch, Clerical and Officers).
My wife, Joleen (Rosenstengel) and I live in New Ulm and have four children who all attend the Catholic school system (NUACS), Joshua, a senior; Megan, a junior; Kyle an eighth-grader; and Mathew, a seventh-grader. I have coached hockey, baseball and football in the community for 24 years. I have held office on several boards of these same sports.
I have said many, many times over the years that I have been proud to serve the citizens of Brown County since 1994. I would be honored to continue to serve you as your next Sheriff.
Respectfully,
Jason Seidl
Brown County Chief Deputy
New Ulm Journal - Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Sheriff Hoffmann withdraws, supports Seidl’s campaign
NEW ULM — With a flurry of activity at the end of the filing period, the Brown County sheriff’s race became a four-way battle.
Chief Deputy Jason Seidl and deputy Jason Fairbairn filed for election just prior to the June 5 deadline.
Sheriff’s office candidates on the Aug. 14 primary ballot are Seidl, deputies Matt Ibberson and Jason Fairbairn and New Ulm Police Department Senior Investigator Jeff Hohensee.
Earlier in the day, Brown County Sheriff Rich Hoffmann filed an affidavit of withdrawal from the campaign after 12 years as sheriff and 26 years in law enforcement. He worked for 12 years with New Ulm Police and served two years as Morton police chief.
“I have decided that it is time for a new chapter in my life. It’s time,” Hoffmann said. “We have one grandchild and another on the way. I want to spend more time with family. Going forward, I would like to offer my full support to Chief Deputy Jason Seidl.”
Hoffmann said Seidl has been working alongside him running the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years.
“He has 24 years experience with the Sheriff’s Office and knows it through and through,” Hoffmann said. “He (Seidl) is the candidate that I ask you to support. I want to thank everyone for supporting me through the years. It has been a real pleasure serving the citizens of Brown County.”
Seidl, who filed for sheriff June 5, said he wants to continue to develop and successfully manage the Sheriff’s Office and jail. He would like to add a K9 unit and search-and-rescue drone as a county-wide resource and add a full-time emergency management director in the 2019 county budget. In addition, he’d like to add drug take-back boxes in Sleepy Eye and Comfrey.
“I was chosen as Brown County Chief Deputy in 2007 by (then) newly-elected Sheriff Rich Hoffmann,” Seidl said. “Through the years, we have worked closely together and have achieved many accomplishments that have kept our Sheriff’s Office current and able to better serve our citizens.
“Under my direction, we have attained a shared, county-wide record-keeping system. Our record management system is used by each county agency. We can view what is being recorded by other county departments. It is a positive arrangement for us all and has benefitted us greatly.”
Seidl said the Sheriff’s Office web page has an up-to-date jail roster and current list of active warrants. The public can leave tips on an untraceable tip line. In addition, the sheriff’s office and emergency management implemented the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and Nixle emergency warning systems used when emergency situations arise.
In addition, Seidl said the Sheriff’s Office was the first in the county to use body cameras, e-charging and e-citations, paperless filing of court documents.
Born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Seidl graduated form Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s and Minnesota State University, Mankato, majoring in law enforcement and minoring in corrections. After working at Prairie Correctional Facility, Appleton, he began working at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office in 1994, first as a dispatcher, then a jail programmer.
He and his wife Joleen live in New Ulm. They have four children who attend New Ulm Area Catholic Schools. He has coached hockey, baseball and football in New Ulm for 24 years and held office on several boards for those sports.
“I love my job and want to continue to serve the citizens of Brown County as sheriff,”Seidl said.