County Attorney candidates debate their differences

BEMIDJI -- Candidates to be the next Beltrami County Attorney highlighted their differences in a League of Women Voters debate Tuesday night at Bemidji City Hall.

Beltrami County Attorney candidates Annie Claesson-Huseby and David Hanson countered comments between questions while Beltrami County Commissioner candidates Matt Bliss and Keith Winger agreed on a few points.

Consistent with his platform, Hanson's opening comments included mention that Beltrami County has one of the highest crime rates in the state of Minnesota, something he would like to change.

Claesson-Huseby stayed consistent with her platform, as well, stating, "You should do the work before you lead the work." She noted that since she has served Beltrami County the crime rate has decreased.

The race to replace outgoing County Attorney Tim Faver after 25 years has garnered the most attention in and around Bemidji, generating numerous ads and letters to the editor.

Hanson said he disavows negative ads in campaigning and has been running a positive campaign.

"Fortunately America has freedom of speech, which allows people to put anything they want in the paper," Hanson said, referring to several ads that have run in the Pioneer.

Claesson-Huseby said the ads are not signed and the political action committee running the advertisements is someone she has held accountable.

When asked about working with tribal nations in the county, Claesson-Huseby said her relationship is strong having been able to work in child protective service cases during the past 10 years in the Beltrami County Attorney's Office. Hanson said since he grew up in the area, has childhood friends in Red Lake, personal friends in Leech Lake and worked with White Earth while working in the Clearwater County attorney's office.

Hanson said he knows the community and his defense experience along with private practice as well as government experience aids to his qualifications for county attorney. He added the implication that he loves Bemidji any less than anybody else is false.

"I'm the best choice because of experience, experience, experience," Claesson-Huseby said.

In the County Commission race, former Beltrami County Sheriff Winger and newcomer Bliss said they agreed they would have an honorable run and stuck to it Tuesday night.

Bliss said while he appreciates his opponent's service as sheriff, his experience in business will serve the county better. Bliss said he grew up on a farm where he was taught the value of hard work and if something is broken you fix it, which is why he said he is running for Beltrami County Commissioner.

"Not that I think the county government is broken, but it is in need of some new ideas and a fresh, positive perspective," Bliss said.

Winger said although Bliss is strong in technology, his own strength is working with people, something he was able to demonstrate during his time as sheriff.