ELECTION GUIDE: Carlton County Sheriff
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Candidates Kelly Lake (left) and Jason Syrett (right).
CARLTON COUNTY SHERIFF
Kelly Lake (Incumbent)
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. (limit 50 words)
Lifelong resident of Carlton County, graduate Cloquet schools and FDLTCC/ Hibbing Law Enforcement. Married to Rick; children ages 24, 22, 15, 13. Live in rural Barnum; raise beef cattle and have horses. Worked for the Sheriff's Office for 33 years as Corrections Officer, Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, and as your Sheriff since 2005. Past president of MN Sheriff's Association.
Why are you running for sheriff? (limit 35 words)
I am running for Sheriff to continue serving the citizens of Carlton County with integrity and dedication.
How do you feel about the $66 million Justice Center project and what will it mean to Carlton County? (75 words)
The MN Department of Corrections mandated closure of the current jail July 31, 2023. The current courthouse does not meet the security and space needs of the system. The Justice Center project has been thoroughly planned and included all Justice Partners, as well as a Citizen's Advisory Committee. A thoughtfully executed transition to the facility will provide for efficient and effective criminal justice processes for many years, meeting the public safety needs of Carlton County.
Which societal problem confronted by the office is the most pressing one facing Carlton County law enforcement entering 2023? (25 words)
Law enforcement is receiving an increase in calls related to people with mental health needs. Resources to help are scarce locally, regionally, and statewide.
What's your top priority for the office internally? (50 words)
My top priority internally is to equip the Office and staff in every division (jail/patrol/administration/911 communications/emergency management) with technology, resources, and training to continue protecting and serving our citizens and responding to and addressing the evolving issues we face while being responsible stewards of the taxpayer dollars we are given.
Tell us what it means to you to take an oath-of-office and hold public-facing responsibility? (75 words)
By taking that oath, I made a promise to the citizens of Carlton County and those that I swore to protect and serve that I will serve with integrity and faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Sheriff and support the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Minnesota. It is a great honor to have the people in Carlton County put their trust and confidence in me.
Why should people choose you? (limit 50 words)
I am thankful to the voters in Carlton County for putting their trust in me. It has been rewarding serving the people here for 33 years. I have the experience to lead the Sheriff's Office through many upcoming challenges. If reelected, I will continue to serve with dedication and integrity.
Jason Syrett
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. (limit 50 words)
Life-long Carlton County resident. Grew up in Moose Lake, Graduated from Cloquet High School in 2006. Captain of the Cloquet High School Varsity Hockey Team. Completed 4-year Criminal Justice Degree at St. Cloud state in 2010 making the University's Dean's list. Employed with the Moose Lake Police Department for 10 years as a Police Officer. Background in Construction, Carpentry, Mechanical work, Business, Sales-Customer Service.
Why are you running for sheriff? (limit 35 words)
· Carlton County needs a change. 16 years of the same leadership has negative effects on a department.
· Against the new $66 Million Justice Center Project.
· Put pressure on the County attorney's Office to prosecute and stop the declination letters.
· Lack of Leadership and accountability. Bring back the Carlton County Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)
· Concerns the existing Sheriff Kelly Lake is going to retire half way through term, appoint the next Sheriff and not let people vote.
How do you feel about the $66 million Justice Center project and what will it mean to Carlton County? (75 words)
· Against the new Carlton County Justice Center – The size and projected amenities for a jail is not necessary and is tax burden on citizens.
· Citizens were not given an option. Groundbreaking for the project began months before the county board meeting for approval even took place.
· Poor job by County Officials informing the public tax payers.
· County Officials should have started budgeting for a jail 10 years ago.
· Currently the Carlton County Jail is declining arrests, not allowing officers to lodge individuals in jail who have committed crimes and/or violating Order for Protections (OFP).
Which societal problem confronted by the office is the most pressing one facing Carlton County law enforcement entering 2023? (25 words)
· Lack of resources for Mental Health problems.
· Lack of accountability in holding individuals responsible for the crimes they commit.
Courts are giving petty "slap on the wrist" charges/sentences to repeat offenders. Jail "Frequent Flyers" is getting old, offenders know nothing is going to happen to them, so they keep committing crimes. Creates negative feelings for Law-Enforcement.
What's your top priority for the office internally? (50 words)
· Create different motivations, bring new ideas and develop a positive work environment.
Tell us what it means to you to take an oath-of-office and hold public-facing responsibility? (75 words)
· Up-holding the Constitution of the United States of America.
· Demonstrate Leadership and Accountability.
· Proactive and Promote Public Safety.
Why should people choose you? (limit 50 words)
I have the ability to make common sense decisions and not just throw more money than necessary at problems. I will uphold the Constitution of the United States.
