once had a military leader stand before our group and provide some words that stick with me today. “Instead of complaining about a situation, work yourself into a position from which you can make the changes.”

I believe law enforcement and the world has changed in the last several years since COVID-19 and “George Floyd.” Law enforcement now faces unprecedented challenges that require nothing less than solid leadership and accurate vision to navigate moving forward. We need a new perspective.

I bring a proven history of leadership and a well-rounded background to the public safety effort in Goodhue County. I have been paying attention to the larger picture for the last two decades while working from the bottom up. I understand how the larger picture impacts the local level and daily public safety operations.

I understand what is essential right now and will bring that prioritization to the public safety effort here.

From my perspective, and from what I have been told by staff and citizens even before my announcement, the priorities in Goodhue County are backward. We must focus on ensuring the highest quality public safety effort possible, not just things that look good.

My experience and history with the Sheriff’s Office have been affirmed recently by a historic union endorsement by the Goodhue County Deputy’s Local 91. This has never occurred in the history of our Office, and it speaks volumes in the fact that the men and women serving our citizens need leadership they can trust to move forward.

I see the potential here. I want us to set the example regionally in training, quality of service, staff health/ wellness, and other areas to ensure quality public safety. I want other agencies to consider us the “right way to do business” and to look at us as an example. Sometimes we have to be the ones that stand up to make the change. Others will follow, but someone must start. I want to initiate that change here.