Mahnomen County Sheriff Candidates Share Priorities During GFWC Candidate Forum

Mahnomen, MN — The candidates for Mahnomen County Sheriff got an opportunity to introduce themselves and their priorities during the Mahnomen GFWC Library Club Candidate Forum on Thursday night at the Mahnomen School. Seeking reelection is current Mahnomen County Sheriff Josh Guenther, who is going up against veteran police officer Peter Drift Jr, who currently works for the White Earth Police Department.  In his opening remarks, Sheriff Guenther highlighted some of his accomplishments from his first term. 

Drift in his opening statement promoted an emphasis to reduce property crime and highlighted his work with juveniles.

Each candidate was asked about their solutions to fix the drug problems in Mahnomen County. Drift stated that it needs to start with educating the youth and eliminating the low-level drug users to reduce demand.

Guenther stated that he wants to continue to work with the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force and start a new drug court program similar to that in Becker County to reduce drug problems.

Both candidates were also in strong agreement that Mahnomen County should consider having its own jail.

Listen to the full Mahnomen County Sheriff Candidate Forum with Josh Guenther and Peter Drift Jr below: