Dakota County Sheriff Not Running Again

Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows has announced he will not be seeking re-election this fall.  In a statement released by the Sheriff's Office he states, "I have decided not to seek another term as Dakota County Sheriff in the 2014 fall election.  The opportunity to serve has Sheriff has been the most gratifying experience of my 35 years of law enforcement.  In the statement Sheriff Bellows thanks the citizens of the county for their support.  His co-workers at the Sheriff's Office for their professionalism and Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom for his ongoing support and guidance and counsel provided his office.  Sheriff Bellows also notes he has urged Chief Deputy Tim Leslie to run for Dakota County Sheriff.  According to the Office website Sheriff Bellows began his career in 1980 as a patrol officer with the Lakeville Police Department.