Tom Kaase Candidate for Fillmore County Sheriff

1. Tell us about yourself.

I’m married to Dorle Grindland Kaase and we have a son, Kaine. I have been a resident of Fillmore County for the past 58 years. I am a business owner (Kaase Trucking, Jailhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast, and our farm). I have 35½ years of Law Enforcement experience (12 years Fillmore County, 18 years Rochester Police Department, four years as the Fillmore County Sheriff, and 1½ years MSP Airport Police). I am an FBI National Academy Graduate. I also served as a Fillmore County Commissioner for six years.

2. Why are you running for office?

I’m seeking re-election for Fillmore County Sheriff due to the need for greater accountability, greater fiscal responsibility, and greater transparency. With the hope and expectation of a safe and secure community, I bring 35½ years of successful law enforcement experience to the table. I also bring 30 plus years of successful business experience, coupled with six years of successful experience as a Fillmore County Commissioner. My combination of experience is unmatched. I had the privilege and experience to serve as your Fillmore County Sheriff from 2015-2019. I believe there is so much more we can do and accomplish.

3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?

The decision to build a new jail has been made by our current sheriff and county board and is moving forward. This is going to be a tax increase for all the businesses and citizens of Fillmore County. I believe that all the information has not fully been presented to or reviewed by our citizens. I believe we can house prisoners in surrounding jails, which would drastically reduce our budget and liabilities. I believe that, if elected, I can show that boarding prisoners in surrounding jails can successfully be accomplished.