Mower County Sheriff Barry J. Simonson is retiring after two terms in office.

Michael Cherney of Adams and Todd Clennon of Austin want the job. So does Terese Amazi, Simonson's hand-picked choice to replace him.

Tuesday's state primary election is the first hurdle Amazi, Cherney and Clennon must clear, because the November general election ballot is only big enough for two of them.

Here are the edited responses of the three candidates for Mower County sheriff, listed in alphabetical order:

Terese Amazi listed her strengths as 16 years of law enforcement experience, including 14 years with Mower County Sheriff's Department as a jailer, patrol deputy, undercover narcotics investigator, training officer, detective and for the last four years, chief deputy.

Why are you seeking this office?

"Long ago, I

recognized that a leader can have a positive impact on an organization. Building on my experience with the department, I feel I can be an effective leader and want to provide the best services to the citizens of Mower County."

What changes will you make if elected?

"We are exploring with the help of consultants our communication and jail needs."

Jail security: What measures would you take to prevent the jailbreak of three accused murderers in March 2001 from the Mower County Jail?

"Outside investigators have determined that our facility is well-maintained and functional. The policies, procedures and training are good. They determined that the escape was the result of operator error."

How do you respond to the public's

concerns about illegal drugs in Mower County?

"The Mower County Sheriff's Office is responding to the public concern with an aggressive two-fold approach. I have provided training to parents and their children. D.A.R.E. is also taught in all the county schools. Secondly, the sheriff's office is taking a very aggressive role in regard to drug enforcement. The addition of two canine units has been very helpful. Also, one detective is dedicated to working full-time with the Southeastern Minnesota Narcotics Task Force and other agencies to combat the problem.

Is there another issue of public safety to address?

"One other issue is the concern of having a female as sheriff. This concern is not shared by a majority of employees I supervise. The current sheriff, retired deputies and officers in other agencies have expressed their support. In addition, 12 deputies, 12 corrections officers and 13 dispatchers have endorsed me in a newspaper ad."

Michael Cherney listed his strengths as 24 years of service in the law enforcement community and serving on the Adams City Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

"As an experienced professional officer, I believe that I can help move the Mower County Sheriff's Department further into the 21st century."

What changes will you make if elected?

"As the makeup of the county changes, so must the sheriff's department. The sheriff's department in and of itself will need to become more diverse to handle the every-changing growth and needs of the county."' Specifically, Cherney said he will institute town hall meetings throughout the county and form specialized units in the department.

Jail security: What measures would you take to prevent the jail break of three accused murderers in March 2001 from the Mower County Jail?

"Jail procedures must be re-evaluated. Dangerous criminals such as those should have been housed separately. As different situations dictate, staffing procedures may have to be altered accordingly. Ultimately, the sheriff is responsible for his jail."

How do you respond to the public's concerns about illegal drugs in Mower County?

"(Meth labs) pose a dangerous situation to anyone who comes into contact with one. The main problem is that these labs are starting to pop up like "stills" did in the days of Prohibition. The best response to combat this problem is through community involvement. The citizens of Mower County are the extra eyes and ears that the sheriff's department needs." Cherney also suggested a toll-free tip line and higher visibility given drug raids and seizures.

Is there another issue of public safety to address?

"My remarks concerning the implementation of an agriculture division within the sheriff's department has brought many positive responses. The citizens of greater Mower County see this as a very viable unit that will help combat thefts and other related crimes to the agriculture community."

Todd Clennon said his strengths as a candidate include his desire to be involved in the daily workings of the departments, leadership through "hard work" and the "department unit."

Clennon also said he has the confidence to "take charge" with difficult situations or decisions.

Why are you seeking this office?

"To make changes instead of complaining about them."

What changes will you make if elected?

"Develop a strong rapport with outside agencies and listen to their advice." Enforce police and rules, address staffing levels, maintain equipment and "encourage community policing and involvement" were other changes the candidate wants to make.

Jail security: What measures would you take to prevent the jail break of three accused murderers in March 2001 from the Mower County Jail?

"No one listened to the advice of at least two state agencies. Why? The jail administration did not treat the three (accused murderers) as killers. They ran the show and the jail became compliant to their requests."

"The three should have been (1) separated, (2) searched regularly, (3) had telephone calls monitored and correspondence screened, (4) held accountable for their actions and disciplined accordingly. They should have been made to conform to the rules instead of the jail conforming to them."

Clennon goes on to accuse the Mower County jail administration, Simonson, Amazi and Jail Administrator Bob Roche of failing to act appropriately when housing the three dangerous prisoners.

How do you respond to the public's concerns about illegal drugs in Mower County?

"Make citizens aware and knowledgeable, encourage them to report suspicious activity, aggressively seek and destroy meth labs continue to educate officers with advanced training."

Is there another issue of public safety to address?

Clennon had no other issues to discuss.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com