Round three

The third round of the Waseca High School Coffee Debates featuring County Sheriff candidates Jay Dulas and Trevor Kanewischer was Friday October 14, 2022. 

Moderating the debate was high school senior Chloe Schumacher, who volunteered to be moderator. “I didn’t just get thrown into this,” she observed. “And I don’t gotta take notes now.” 

Last week a last-minute change compelled senior Samantha Azure to moderate with only 15 minutes’ notice. 

Reminding sheriff candidates how much time they had via flashcards was senior Jacob Kehler. 

The teacher in charge of these students, John Hanson, informed the crowd before the debate that, “We don’t pretend to be anything other than a student project.

“This is the most people from the community to join us here live,” Hanson told  the candidates prior to the start. “I don’t take that as a reason to see me. It’s highly likely they’re here for another reason [to see the debate].” 

Candidates began with opening statements which cited their long resumes and background in Waseca County, both having been in law enforcement for more than two decades. 

Question 1: What do you believe are the biggest illegal activities taking place in Waseca County and how should they best be dealt with? 

Kanewischer - Drug activity and burglaries. Kanewischer mentioned better legislation to hold people accountable and keeping patrol officers active and visible as possible ways to deal with the problem.

Dulas cited similar concerns, sharing how drug use often leads to theft and other illicit behavior. Dulas said communication with other agencies, sharing resources and working with the prosecutor's office all work together to minimize crime. 

Question 2: What improvements would you like to see the county board approve and/or support with additional funding? 

Dulas: Equipment, technology, and training. Dulas cited use of body cameras, as done by other area departments, as a need–one which has not yet been addressed in Waseca.

Kanewischer: Additional funding for a drug task force because of the opioid epidemic. Body camera systems to help protect against litigation. 

Question 3: Describe a challenging situation which made you grow professionally and will make you a better sheriff. 

Kanewischer: The Krueger murder south of Waseca. Kanewischer said it was close to home, and although the case was solved fairly quickly, it was a lengthy process which required relying on other departments. “You really have to be organized and meticulous in your work. Hundreds of hours of work, over 1,500 pages of reports and disclosures… Leave no stone unturned.” Kanewishcer said this led to a successful prosecution and he was commended for his work on the case. 

Dulas said working homicide cases, looking for evidence, and working together with other agencies are all experiences he draws on to learn from. 

Question 4: What will you do as sheriff to establish a healthy relationship with the residents of Waseca County? 

Dulas: “Doing this is something I’ve done for 25 years. It’s important to listen and be visible. I’m available 24/7.”

Kanewischer: Be involved outside of the office. Better community outreach with New Richland, Janesville, and Waldorf areas. “I’d like to see more involvement with deputies in the community.”

Kanewischer continued. “More event type of involvement (with the public). Good PR with facebook, social media, and informational articles in the newspaper.” 

Question 5: What will noticeably be different in the sheriff's department under your leadership?

Kanewischer: Encourage new ideas from staff. Better management in the dispatch center. 

Dulas: No big changes going forward. Open to fresh ideas. ”We have a great department. We are always looking for improvements… Currently we have things working well.” 

Question 6: What qualities are you looking for in your chief deputy?

Dulas: Experience, leadership, trust, passion, vision to lead, great ideas, motivator, well respected. 

Kanewischer: Leadership skills, organized, well respected, and a good communicator. 

Question 7: Some sheriff department employees have chosen to support one candidate or another. How will you work to unify your staff?

Kanewischer: Communication. “I think in the end of all of this, they will come together. We all want to see a safe community.”

Dulas: Communication. “Everyone working for the department has a passion for public safety, for what’s right… At the end of the day we all have the same mission.”

Question 8: Describe a law enforcement situation in your career that demonstrates good working relationships with other departments?

Dulas: Generally working with other departments as a result of crime sprees or burglary. 

Kanewischer: The recent burglary ring involving 43 victims, multiple agencies, counties, and investigators. This case required multiple search warrants at the same scene from multiple agencies and required “a log of case organization with different departments.” 

Closing statements

Both candidates thanked those responsible for the debate and reminded viewers to be aware of their websites, and public phone numbers. 

After the debate both candidates shook hands and spoke with those in attendance. 

The entire debate can be found on the Waseca school district home page, Youtube and the city of Waseca’s website.