(Le Mars) — We look at the sheriff’s race between incumbant Mike Van Otterloo and challenger Jay King. Both men have long careers in law enforcement. Van Otterloo has been in law enforcement for 34 years, first as a Le Mars Police officer and the last 22 years serving as the sheriff for Plymouth County. King has been involved with law enforcement in Plymouth County for 34 years, 10 as the Remsen police department and the last 24 with the Le Mars Police Department. King explains why he is seeking the position of sheriff.
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Van Otterloo, says he is seeking re-election because he enjoys the job.
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Van Otterloo says he believes a noted acheivement during his tenure was the construction of the law enforcement center.
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Meanwhile, King says Plymouth County needs to be more pro-active and not re-active to crimes committed within the county.
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Both candidates believe a county-wide law enforcement program where the sheriff’s deputies patrol the small towns is not cost efficient. However, both believe the sheriff’s office needs to work with the smaller town law enforcement agencies.
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King sees a need for cross-training between the Sheriff’s office and the smaller community police departments.
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