Jackson, 46, New Richmond, currently serves as a telecommunicator in the Emergency Communications Center. Hillstead, 59, Woodville, has served as sheriff for the past eight years.

Each candidate answered three basic questions concerning the sheriff’s department and issues it faces. Their answers follow.

Why do you want to serve as sheriff?

Hillstead: I bring experience, integrity and accountability to the office of sheriff. I have spent the greater part of my adult life in service to my community and country as a full-time police officer and military veteran.

Since taking office as sheriff, I have put in place programs and policies that have resulted in doubling the effectiveness of the department and in response to calls for service from the communities that we serve. I know what to do, when to do it, how to do it and why we need to do it. I lead by example, not by words.

Jackson: In coming from Eau Claire, I thought the St. Croix County sheriff’s office would be up to date and on the cutting edge of technology because of its proximity to the Twin Cities.

What I see is a sheriff’s department behind the times and lacking in many areas. I can change this with a new and fresh approach along with new ideas and a vision for the department. The residents of St. Croix County deserve the highest level of service and understanding, which I will provide.

What is the most important issue facing the department in the near future?

Hillstead: Methamphetamine addiction is the most pressing issue we face currently because it is driving the crime rate within the county. More thefts, burglaries, shoplifting and identity thefts are occurring as a way to obtain money to purchase methamphetamine.

Additionally we have seen an increase in domestic abuse cases and crimes against children. We have been successful on one front, the elimination of the small local meth labs as a result of the law passed last year, but we still see a significant amount of the drug brought into the county from the metro area.

We have led the state in arrests for the past six years for those selling and producing meth. We have made education a priority and last year we partnered with Health and Human services and added a full time AODA counselor in the jail to treat those inmates addicted to meth.

Jackson: The state of preparedness is lacking in the Sheriff’s Department to respond to a mass casualty disaster. There needs to be more training, equipment and knowledge of what is available locally, statewide and nationally.

The sheriff’s department should be the leader in this category as it will be the agency responsible for the scene.

There will be a need to work cooperatively with several groups and departments. More live exercises are needed in case a mass casualty does occur; we are prepared to respond to the event.

What would you do differently in the department during the next term?

Hillstead: I will not make changes just for the sake of change; neither will I spend tax dollars on toys. I will spend money on those things that will enhance the department and allow us to do our jobs more effectively.

My experience shows me that “new” does not always mean “better.” I have a very good working relationship with the County Board and its committees. I will continue to work with the County Board to maintain and improve the service that the sheriff’s office provides to the citizens of this county.

I have always had an open-door policy for deputies, and morale within the sheriff’s office is high.

Jackson: I will apply for all available grants and funds to help the sheriff’s department train its employees and to obtain modern equipment for its divisions and to help in the fight against meth and other related drug issues.

I will work together with other county departments as well as the County Board to obtain our goals and objectives without a duplication of services and equipment.

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