Incumbent Klang runs hard
Even though he is the incumbent, Eric Klang is not taking his campaign for a second term as Crow Wing County sheriff lightly.
With two other candidates also seeking the position, Klang has been out knocking on doors until 10 p.m. on some nights, "burning the candle at both ends," he said as a sheriff's candidate and a father.
"Campaigning has been going great. I've personally knocked on over 300 doors," Klang said. "There's been an overwhelmingly positive response to the job I'm doing as sheriff."
Crow Wing County sheriff's candidate Eric Klang chatted with Ross and Kathe Dellacecca recently near their home on Graydon Avenue in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
And it's a job he wants to continue in order to see initiatives he started in his first four years as sheriff come to fruition. Those initiatives include the installation of mobile data computers in all squad cars; work on a new 287-bed jail; and implementing a county-wide records management system.
In 2002, Klang upset incumbent Sheriff Dick Ross in the general election. This time around, Klang is the one being challenged and he said it has been a bit difficult getting used to not being the underdog. He will face off against Todd Dahl and Troy Schreifels in Tuesday's primary election, where two candidates will be selected to continue onto the Nov. 7 general election.
Eric Klang
Age: 40.
Residence: Lake Edward Township.
Education: He received a degree in law enforcement from Hibbing Community College after attending the University of North Dakota for two years. He also is a graduate of the National Sheriffs' Institute in 2004 and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development program.
Professional background: Employed with the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department since 1990. Previously served as an undercover agent for the Heartland Drug Task Force. He also worked as a Crosby police officer.
Civic/community involvement: Meals on Wheels delivery, Woodland Good Samaritan board member, Minnesota Sheriffs' Association board member, National Sheriffs' Association member, Bridges of Hope board member, Meth Coalition advocate and board member, Fraternal Order of Police member.
Klang said he has almost four years of work and experience as sheriff to present to voters.
"I've proven that I've been able to do this job and do it effectively," Klang said. "I don't really have anything to prove on that front."
Along with the implementation of the record management system in a couple of months and the opening of the jail in January, Klang said he wants to continue his department's work with the Crow Wing County Drug Court, the Meth Coalition, tracking Internet crimes and cracking down on identity thefts.
While on the campaign trail, Klang has kept track of the issues brought up by residents. He said a majority of residents' concerns center on traffic enforcement, dog complaints and nuisance issues. He plans to take his list to the individual police chiefs in Crow Wing County.
"Whether it's a brown uniform or a blue uniform we're all on the same team," Klang said. "It's about providing a high level of service."
As far as complaints about the job he has done as sheriff, Klang said he has heard none.
"It's been humbling, with all the good people I've met out there, their support of law enforcement and the good things that they have to say about law enforcement in this county overall," Klang said. "We have some good, talented people here. It makes my job very easy."
Klang lives in Lake Edward Township with his wife, Annette, and four sons, Jakob, Jonathan, Josiah and Jedidiah.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.