Jahner and King discuss qualifications, experience, and controversial nude photo in race for Cass County Sheriff

Image by WDAY News Staff
Image by WDAY News Staff

(Fargo, ND) -- Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner talked about his experience and training when asked why he should be re-elected.

"I've had the opportunity to both work and lead in all divisions of this organization both as an employee at the sergeant level, as a captain and then also as the assistant commander of the Red River Valley SWAT team, so definitely that experience, on top of that, you know, during my time as being sheriff, I've led through two different floods. I've led through civil unrest in the city of Fargo," said Jahner.  

Jahner talked about his candidacy during a special hour two debate on the Jay Thomas Show Friday afternoon. He faced off against his challenger, Cass County Deputy Matthew King. The two also spent time talking about the controversy surrounding an incident in which a lieutenant in the department sent an unsolicited nude photo of himself to a deputy. 

King asserts that the department, under Jahner's leadership, did not adequately investigate the incident.

King says his skill in interacting with people would allow him to serve effectively as Sheriff if elected to the position. 

"If I'm elected on Tuesday, yes this is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of North Dakota. If fully hired on we're looking at 240 people I believe. There's a lot of dynamics that go in with it, and understanding people is one of the biggest things that you have to know. You have to be able to, not everybody is going to like me. not everybody is going to hate me. Looking at the qualities that I bring, is understanding the people and understanding and listening to what they have and trying to figure out solutions on how we can try to conquer that," said King.

Audio from part one of the debate is posted above. Part two will soon be posted.
 

Original Air Date: 
Friday, November 4, 2022