Olson is honest and reliable

I have known Chris Olson since 1987 when I hired him as an officer for the Prior Lake Police Department.

As an officer and detective with the department, he has shown himself to be honest, hard-working, level-headed and reliable. He is also a very dedicated family man.

I know Chris would make an excellent county commissioner.

Steve Schmidt, Prior Lake police lieutenant (retired), Credit River Township Olson has character

I have known Chris Olson for 15 years. I met Chris while I was on the advisory board for the MNSCIA (Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association).

The MNSCIA group has provided valuable training to hundreds of police officers and civilians during Chris's tenure on the board. Chris was a valued and dedicated member to this group for about 10 years. I also know Chris has been an excellent and dedicated police detective since 1987 for the city of Prior Lake, and while working in that capacity he has devoted himself fully to keeping the citizens of Prior Lake safe.

I feel Chris would bring an excellent work ethic to the County Board and know him to have a strong and honest character.

Larry Brubaker, FBI special agent (retired), Lakeville

Town teams, town assets

My family and I would like to say thank you to the Prior Lake Jays and Mudcats town baseball teams for another entertaining and fun season. These teams are truly community assets.My wife and I enjoy attending the games; the admission is very cheap and the concessions equal anything the Twins or Vikings offer at a fraction of the price. When we bring our grandson, we feel safe allowing him to play in the park and chase foul balls to exchange for candy. Truly family entertainment.It’s kind of a shame more people don’t attend the games. I’d rather spend a small amount of money on these athletes, who play for the love of the game, than spend huge dollars on mercenaries like the Vikings or Timberwolves.Thanks, guys. We look forward to next year.

Jeffrey M. Gagen, Prior Lake

Albright puts safety first

I moved to Scott County nine years ago after living my entire life up to that point in Hennepin County. Thinking the move was temporary, I changed my mind after seeing Scott County offered much.

Scott County has been the fastest-growing county in Minnesota for years, and it’s not unusual for it to be one of the fastest-growing counties in America. Unfortunately, the law enforcement and prosecutorial infrastructure, due to absolutely no fault of their own, have not been able to keep pace with that growth. And the citizens of Scott County have therefore been put at risk.While we have great-looking libraries, the sheriff’s department has the exact same number of deputies as it did in 1996. The legal population has increased markedly as has the illegal population. Why is the sheriff’s department hamstrung with staffing levels over a decade old? How is the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office expected to keep the citizens of Scott County safe by prosecuting and convicting those who would do us harm with an inadequate number of prosecutors? Grand edifice libraries are nice but absolutely not necessary. And they don’t keep us or our children safe.Bob Vogel has done yeoman’s work as the District 2 Scott County Commissioner. He has consistently called for more sheriff’s deputies and an expanded prosecutorial staff. Mr. Vogel has announced that he will not be running for another term. Tony Albright has filed to run for Mr. Vogel’s seat. Mr. Albright is readily and keenly aware of the need for a commissioner who puts necessities ahead of niceties, who puts safety before showplaces. Not libraries, but law enforcement.Tony is the commissioner I need to have represent my interests at the Government Center in Shakopee.

Randy Penrod, Savage

A Lakefront Days thanks

I, on behalf of the Prior Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, wish to extend my sincere gratitude for those who attended Lakefront Days 2008 in addition to sponsorships by and assistance from residents, local businesses and the city of Prior Lake.

Absent your time, talents and other contributions, Lakefront Days would not have been a resounding success. Each of the events was well-attended and Lakefront Days bore testament to the pride of and for this community. Whenever the opportunity arises, please thank the residents, local business and employees of the city of Prior Lake, who worked tirelessly toward our community celebration.Hopefully you enjoyed whatever events you were able to attend, wherever situated. What a treasure Prior Lake holds with its residents, management, parks, schools and businesses; the combination of the aforementioned factors is what combines to make exceptional memories.

Brian R. Geis, President, Prior Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

LeMair discusses his platform

It’s with great pleasure that I announce my candidacy for Scott County commissioner.

Although I’ve enjoyed the seven years on the Prior Lake City Council, I now turn my focus to the greater Scott County area and making more of a difference in our communities.My platforms include being more responsible with taxes, creating economic development, improving planning/development of road and transportation projects, protecting existing and creating recreational opportunities and protecting children from unnecessary dangers.Long-term plans are lacking in road projects for the Prior Lake/Shakopee area. When County Road 21 connects to County Road 18, it will add several thousand cars daily to the Prior Lake main street area. There are no plans to prepare the Highway 13/County Road 21/Main Avenue intersections for this increase.  This is one of many transportation projects that need to be addressed shortly.Since 2002 the county portion of taxes on an average Prior Lake home have increased 32 percent while the city is at 14 percent. I’ve witnessed many Scott County cities restructure, let staff go and look for ways to consolidate services. I haven’t witnessed this at the county level. I’ve learned a lot about the expectations of our community for local taxes. I will convey a message of investment without waste, helping the county government live within the current tax base and look for areas of reduction. Being smart with your tax dollars is the bottom line.

We can help reduce the property-tax burden by adding a more industrial and manufacturing commercial tax base.

I’m committed to protecting our children from unnecessary dangers. It’s my goal to lead introduction of Project Protect and social host ordinance to Scott County. Project Protect’s goal is to have shared policies and procedures in place within all organizations providing service to children. The program deters predators and pedophiles while educating the community on abuse prevention.

If elected, I’m committed to serving no more than two terms. I’ll vote against all commissioner salary increases. I can make a difference for you and will work hard to make Scott County a great place to call home.

Chad LeMair, Prior Lake