Election 2014: Kendall Faces Challenger Hansen for Stearns County Attorney [AUDIO]

STEARNS COUNTY ATTORNEY

ST. CLOUD -- With the general election just a few weeks away, WJON is taking a look at some races that will be on your ballot.

Today, we look at the race for Stearns County Attorney.

Incumbent Janelle Kendall is facing a challenger for the first time since she defeated then-County Attorney Roger VanHeel in 2002.  Challenger, St. Cloud City Prosecutor Mark Hansen, says he'll reduce the department's budget by hundreds of thousands of dollars in the first year alone.

Kendall says the County Attorney's salary is set by the County Board of Commissioners.

Hansen says his experience as a lawyer and in the military would serve him well as County Attorney.

Kendall says her track record speaks for itself.

Kendall is seeking her fourth term and says she'd like to continue her efforts to not only prosecute crimes, but reduce the crime rate through new initiatives and programs like the drug court and domestic violence court.

Hansen says he'll be able to save county taxpayers $300,000 in the first year and would look to have the County Attorney's salary reduced by $30,000-$40,000 per year.