If he were elected, Ellis said training would be a priority in the department.

“We need to make sure we are training our people properly,” he said.

However, the sheriff reiterated her stance that she’s had open communication with staff.

“Maintaining those open communications with your line staff as well as your supervisors, that happens on a daily basis,” Amazi added.

Ellis criticized the implementation of the .20 policy, which sends inmates with a blood alcohol content of .20 or higher for detox in Freeborn County or Olmsted County. After an inmate has recovered, the inmate is transported back to Mower County.

Ellis said the cost of transportation for the first four years was $173,000. Ellis said public safety always needs to be the chief concern.

However, Amazi countered arguing public safety refers to people in jail as well as the general public. She defended the .20 policy stating that it was implemented after an inmate in detox ended up in intensive care.

“I am in charge of keep inmates safe after they are locked up,” she said. “That .20 policy was not only my policy. It was the medical director that is in charge of all medical facilities within that jail coming to me and coming to my jail administrator and saying sheriff, Bob Roche, you need to do something different.”

In the spring, Ellis said he and a deputy discussed illegal immigration and proposed a standard operating procedure for dealing with illegal immigrants. He said the proposal was submitted to the Mower County Attorney’s office. However, it was returned with a note saying all further inquiries have to be directed through the sheriff.

At the same time, Amazi said she frequently contacts officials with the office for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials concerning issues that arise. Amazi said contacted ICE about two weeks ago after she saw issues arising with a business in town.

Amazi said the jail is currently one of her chief concerns. She’s working to get the jail up and running in an efficient, cost effective manner.

The sheriff said she’s been working with Jail Administrator Bob Roche on a daily basis in determining how to complete the jail and set policy to operate the new facility.

Amazi said she’s been communicating with the Minnesota Department of Corrections to set the operating policy at the jail. She said they may be able to house female inmates from other counties as a way to defray some operating costs of the new facility.

Amazi said she has kept a close eye on finances during her time in the department.

“We’re looking to save costs anyway we can,” she said. “Since 2004, we’ve had $700,000 under budget, and I want to continue that trend.”

Ellis said that number can be misleading, because it often depends on the amount of money budgeted for a specific program or area.

Amazi also spoke highly of the new prescription drug box program in the county, touting it as a proactive measure to get drugs off the streets.

When asked about the prevalence of meth in Mower County, both Amazi and Ellis said that incidents the drug being manufactured in the county have decreased largely due to a law requiring the allergy and cold drug Pseudoephedrine be kept behind pharmacy counters.