They don't dislike each other, but their philosophies are different.

That's how Mower County Attorney candidates Patrick Oman and Patrick Flanagan describe themselves and the contest they are locked into this fall.

Flanagan has the support of law enforcement officials Barry Simonson and Paul Philipp. The Mower County sheriff and Austin police chief, respectively, are his campaign co-chairs.

Oman counters with the experience factor. He has been there for almost 15 years.

Here are the candidates' profiles in their own words:

Patrick W. Flanagan

Prior elective office experience: None.

Why are you seeking this office?

To create an office that communicates better with crime victims and law enforcement as well as an office that is more prepared and operates more efficiently.

What is the top priority?

To serve the citizens of Mower County by enforcing the laws.

What solutions do you have?

I would continue to strengthen my communication and education relationship I already have with law enforcement and victims to create a more effective and efficient office. I would work to add a witness coordinator and to assign cases to an attorney rather than allowing a date to control which attorney will or will not handle a file.

What are your thoughts about public service?

It is a service necessary to fulfill the needs of citizens. Without people participating in public service, our government and way of life would collapse.

Patrick A. Oman

Prior elective office experience: Appointed as Mower County Attorney in July, 1990, to fill remainder of predecessor's term.

Officially elected in November 1990, and re-elected as Mower County Attorney in 1994 and 1998.

Profession: Mower County Attorney

Why are you seeking this office?

I have devoted the past 14 years to serving the citizens of Mower County. I seek to continue serving as Mower County Attorney because I believe that I have developed the widest range of skills and knowledge of the office and its duties and am in the best position to use those skills on behalf of Mower County.

What is the top priority in the governmental jurisdiction you seek to serve?

The top priority of the county attorney's office is to find new and more efficient ways to deliver services mandated by the state and expected by the public.

How would you fix that problem?

I have long advocated to the Mower County Board of Commissioners that there be a crime victim's advocate in the county attorney's office and they have recently agreed with my request by budgeting for such a position in the upcoming year. By having such a position, we can continue working to have greater crime victim participation in cases where they want to participate.

I am proud to say that the office currently has a truly qualified staff that has taken some time to develop and can handle most any situation that arises, whether it be criminal, child support, real estate tax, environmental, or any other area of the law that our county is involved in.

What are your thoughts on public service?

I truly believe that public service is an honorable calling. Many people are willing to give of their time and considerable talents in making their communities better places to live, work and raise families, and they should be commended for their dedication.