Mark Elliott pens endorsement for Jason Arras for Scott County Sheriff

Prior Lake American

Mark Elliott has written a letter endorsing Jason Arras for Scott County Sheriff ahead of the primaries on Aug. 14.

Elliott, who is the Prior Lake police chief, said he is not endorsing Arras in his capacity as chief, but in his role as a citizen.

According to the letter, which was posted to the “Jason Arras for Scott County Sheriff” Facebook page on Aug. 5, Arras and Elliott worked together when Elliott was on the board of directors for the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force and Arras became commander of the force.

“He quickly learned the job, identified areas for improvement, and motivated his employees to achieve great results in addressing the threat drugs pose in our neighborhoods,” Elliott wrote in the letter. “His ability to lead with compassion, connect with the community, and expand the outreach and education work the task force does has demonstrated his strength in identifying what the community wants, and delivering on that. I am confident that as your sheriff, he will do exactly the same thing.”

The Scott County Sheriff’s race will be on the primary ballot on Aug. 14 with candidates Arras, Shakopee Police Officer Joe Theis, current Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen and Scott County Deputy Duane Jirik.

Two of the four candidates (as determined by number of votes) will move on to the general election in November.