FAIRMONT– During the Aug. 9 primary election, residents of Martin County will have the opportunity to narrow down the field for Martin County Sheriff ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. Three candidates have filed and are in the running: Jeff Markquart, James Kotewa and Jonathan Auringer.

Markquart was born in Fairmont and graduated from Sherburn/Dunnell High School. Martin County has been his home for nearly 60 years.

Likewise, Kotewa was born and raised in Fairmont and is a 4th generation Martin County resident.

Auringer is from the nearby community of Lake Crystal. He has lived in the area since 2018.

Markquart is currently Sheriff of Martin County. He’s been a licensed peace officer for 20 years and in 2002 started his law enforcement career as a road deputy with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. In 2008 he was promoted to Chief Deputy, where he got firsthand experience performing the administrative duties of the Sheriff’s Office. He first ran for Sheriff in 2010 and took office in 2011.

“For the last nearly 12 years as Sheriff, I have worked hard for all citizens of Martin County to make this a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” Markquart said.

Kotewa has been involved in law enforcement for almost 38 years. He currently holds the rank of Sergeant with the Fairmont Police Department.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University with a major in law enforcement and minor in corrections. In 1993 he began working as a part-time licensed police officer for the Truman Police Department, Sherburn Police Department and Fairmont Police Department.

He’s been with the Fairmont Police Department full-time since 1997. While there he’s worked as a narcotic agent for the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force and he’s also held the role of detective. He’s been Patrol Sergeant since 2003.

Since he’s held many positions, Kotewa has been certified or trained in many aspects related to law enforcement.

Auringer graduated from Alexandria Technical College in 2003 and worked for two years with a Sheriff’s Department in South Dakota before going to active-duty status with the United States Army. Over his nine years of being active-duty, Auringer was a military police officer, military police sergeant and range safety officer. He had also been deployed to Afghanistan twice during his years in the Army.

He’s been with the Sherburn Welcome Police Department since 2018 and also works part-time for the Blue Earth Police Department and Fairmont Police Department.

Regarding some issues relating specifically to Martin County, the candidates shared some thoughts on the Martin County Sheriff’s Office new body worn camera policy, as well as thoughts on the proposed Martin County Regional Public Safety and Justice Center.

Markquart said he supports the body worn camera program and believe the benefits of it are to keep the staff safe, minimize risk and maintain transparency within the community.

As for the proposed justice center, Markquart acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests with the county commissioners. He pointed out that many different departments would be affected by and benefit from a new facility.

“Even while our existing infrastructure continues to deteriorate, I strive to do the best job possible with the facilities and resources available. If a new facility is approved and built, I would fully support the project,” Markquart said.

Kotewa said the county’s body worn camera policy is similar to that of the Fairmont Police Department’s which was implemented in 2018. He agreed that it would allow for accountability in officer involved complaints.

Of the proposed justice center, Kotwea said, “The idea and concept of a new justice center needs to be explored as this item is an important infrastructure component in Martin County. It has to be maintained or replaced. There have been many competing infrastructure projects that were completed recently or will begin shortly. Such projects can put a financial strain on our communities; however, the Justice Center must be considered a priority in the next 10 years.”

Auringer agreed that the county’s body worn camera policy is similar to that of other department’s policies throughout the state. He said he believes the program would both protect deputies from unsubstantial claims of conduct, and protect the citizens from potential misconduct from deputies.

Moving to the proposed justice center, Auringer acknowledged that there’s a need for a new facility as the current center is old and in need of upgrades to keep up with DOC standards. However, he also noted that we’re in a time of high inflation rates and other high building material costs.

“The decision would have to be carefully made,” he said.

Markquart said as Sheriff, he’s kept an open door policy and has had many citizens stop in his office, call or talk to him on the street and that he’s welcomed the opportunity to visit or answer questions that the community has.

When people have asked why he’s running for re-election, Markquart said, “At the end of the day, while much of the work is difficult and I have many sleepless nights, it is also very rewarding to help others. I took an oath to serve and protect and Martin County can count on me to continue doing that to the best of my ability.”

Kotewa thinks his experiences and training have prepared him for the role of Sheriff. He has worked closely with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and is familiar with its policies. He also said his certification in Emergency Management has taught him the importance of clear and concise planning for emergencies.

“I have committed my career to law enforcement and have acted with integrity, compassion and a strong sense of duty when doing my work,” Kotwea said.

Auringer said he think his military career has taught him how to be a great leader and always put the needs of others above his own. He noted that Martin County is his new home and will be for a long time.

“As the Sheriff, my integrity and accountability will not be compromised. It would be a great responsibility and an honor to serve the citizens of Martin County,” Auringer said.