1. Philosophy of Power

How do you define the limits of the Sheriff's authority, and how will you ensure your department remains accountable to the community?

The Sheriff serves the public, not above the law, but accountable to it. The Sheriff's authority is defined by the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions, state law, and the responsibility to protect the rights of every person. As Sheriff, I will ensure our office remains accountable through transparent leadership, ethical decision-making, strong policies, professional training, and open communication with the communities we serve. Accountability is built through trust, and trust is earned by being visible, listening to residents, and working in partnership with local law enforcement, community leaders, and the public every day.  I have been doing this my entire career in Washington County.

 

2. Transparency & Oversight

How will you prioritize independent civilian oversight, ensure full disclosure of use-of-force data, and maintain clear, accessible public records, including around your department's use of surveillance technology?
 

Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining public trust. As Sheriff, I will fully comply with Minnesota's public records and data practices laws, provide timely and accurate use-of-force reporting, and ensure our policies regarding surveillance technology are visible and consistent with the law. I support independent oversight through the courts, county government, POST Board, and other legally established review processes. My commitment is to lead a Sheriff's Office that is professional, transparent, and accountable while protecting both public safety and individual privacy. Strong community relationships and open communication will remain central to how I lead.  I have a proven track record of doing this not only at the Sheriff’s Office for 23 years, but also as the Stillwater Chief of Police for the last 5 years.

 

3. Protest & First Amendment Rights

What is your approach to policing lawful protests and demonstrations? How do you distinguish between maintaining public safety and the risk of treating peaceful assembly as a security threat?
 

Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and protecting that right is one of law enforcement's responsibilities. Throughout my career, ncluding multiple large-scale demonstrations as Chief of Police and in leadership roles with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, I have successfully managed lawful protests while protecting both public safety and First Amendment rights. My approach is to plan ahead, communicate with organizers whenever possible, and use the least restrictive measures necessary to keep everyone safe. I draw a clear distinction between individuals exercising their constitutional rights and those who engage in violence, threats, or criminal behavior. Our response should always be measured, professional, and focused on protecting both public safety and the freedoms we are sworn to uphold.

 

4. Justice Reform & Pretrial Processes

Do you support cite-and-release policies for low-level offenses, and how, if at all, will you work with the courts on alternatives to cash bail?
 

Minnesota law already allows officers to use discretion, including issuing citations rather than making custodial arrests for many low-level offenses when appropriate. I support using that discretion based on the facts of each case, the risk to public safety, the likelihood the individual will appear in court, and the needs of victims. My priority is to focus our jail resources on individuals who pose a threat to the community. Decisions regarding bail are made by the courts, not the Sheriff. As Sheriff, I will work collaboratively with the courts, prosecutors, and community partners to support evidence-based practices that protect public safety, ensure accountability, and reduce repeat offending.

 

5. ICE Cooperation & Detainers

Would you support Washington County entering into a 287(g) agreement with ICE?
☐ Support
☒ Oppose
☐ Support with conditions
☐ Undecided

 

Would your department honor ICE detainer requests?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☒ Only when accompanied by a judicial warrant
☐ Undecided

 

Please explain your position on both, including where you draw the line on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
 

I have been consistent in this while in leadership role during my 28 year career. My responsibility as Sheriff is to protect public safety while upholding the Constitution and the laws of Minnesota. I do not support entering into a 287(g) agreement because I believe the Washington County Sheriff's Office should focus its resources on local public safety, not routine federal immigration enforcement. Our deputies should not be responsible for enforcing civil immigration laws.
 

That said, I fully support cooperating with our federal law enforcement partners when investigating violent crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, and other serious criminal offenses. We will comply with lawful court orders and judicial warrants, share information when required by law, and work collaboratively with federal agencies to keep our communities safe.
 

The line I draw is clear: local law enforcement should enforce state and local laws and partner with federal authorities on criminal matters, while routine civil immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of federal agencies. This approach protects public safety, respects constitutional rights, and helps maintain the trust and cooperation of the communities we serve.

 

6. Mental Health & Crisis Response

What is your philosophy on the Sheriff's role in responding to mental health crises? What specific models, such as Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training or co-responder clinician teams, would you implement, expand, or fund to ensure these calls are handled with a public health approach rather than a purely criminal-justice lens?
 

The Sheriff’s role is to protect people in crisis, reduce unnecessary arrests, and connect individuals with appropriate care whenever it can be done safely. Mental illness and substance use disorders are often health issues, not criminal-justice problems, and our response should reflect that distinction.
 

As Washington County Chief Deputy and Stillwater Chief of Police, I have helped implement Crisis Intervention training and helped develop the co-response model in Washington County.  As Sheriff, I will expand Crisis Intervention Team training so deputies can recognize behavioral-health symptoms, de-escalate situations, and make informed decisions. I will also strengthen co-responder programs that pair trained deputies with mental-health clinicians, improve connections to mobile crisis services, and work with hospitals and community providers to create effective alternatives to jail.
 

When no serious crime has occurred and public safety can be maintained, the goal should be stabilization, treatment, and follow-up, not incarceration. Jail must remain available when someone presents a danger or commits a serious offense, but it should not become our community’s default mental-health facility

 

7. Internal Culture & Accountability

How will you mandate de-escalation training beyond current state minimums, and how will you ensure your department fully implements Minnesota POST Board standards on bias-free policing and officer conduct? What is your plan for an early-intervention system to flag and address deputies with repeated complaints or use-of-force incidents?
 

Professional, ethical policing begins with strong leadership, clear expectations, and accountability. As Sheriff, I will ensure deputies receive ongoing de-escalation, crisis intervention, communication, and scenario-based training beyond state minimum requirements because these skills improve decision-making and lead to better outcomes for both deputies and the public.
 

I will fully implement and enforce all Minnesota POST Board standards on bias-free policing, officer conduct, and professional accountability through policy, training, supervision, and regular review. Training alone is not enough, it must be reinforced through leadership and a culture of professionalism.
 

While with the Sheriff’s Office, I helped bring in a 3rd party system with the capability for early-intervention notification.  I will ensure this system uses objective performance indicators, including use-of-force incidents, citizen complaints, vehicle crashes, and other measurable trends, to identify deputies who may benefit from additional coaching, training, or support before problems escalate. The purpose is to improve performance, enhance public trust, and support employee wellness while holding deputies accountable when misconduct occurs.

 

8. Priorities & Vision

What are the three most important items you want voters to understand about your candidacy and your vision for our community?
 

1. Proven Leadership
First of all, I am a life-long resident.  My wife and I have raised our 5 children in this community.  This has allowed me to see how the county has changed and what the new needs are for the residents.  I have also spent my entire career in Washington County.  For 28 years, I have served as Patrol Deputy to Chief Deputy to Stillwater Chief of Police, I have led at every level of law enforcement. I have the experience, relationships, and judgment to lead the Sheriff's Office effectively from day one.
 

2. Keeping Washington County Safe
Washington County is one of the safest communities in Minnesota, and my commitment is to keep it that way. My priorities are reducing violent crime, combating drug trafficking, strengthening mental health response and substance use support, supporting victims, and providing deputies with the training and resources they need to protect our communities.
 

3. Community-Focused Service
Public safety is strongest when law enforcement and the community work together. As a lifelong Washington County resident, I believe in transparent leadership, strong partnerships, and treating every person with professionalism and respect. I will lead a Sheriff's Office that is accountable, accessible, and committed to serving every community in Washington County.