WHY DID YOU BECOME A PROSECUTOR?

I saw the job of District Attorney as the career where I could make a difference. Serving in the role of Prosecutor gives me the unique opportunity to make a real difference in the criminal justice system. This comes from the unique discretion held by a District Attorney that I believe no other player in the criminal justice world holds. I can do what is right for victims and the community no matter what anyone else thinks. If my community supports my actions, I get the opportunity to continue. If they do not, then the torch goes to someone else. Helping victims and achieving fairness in the justice system are my goals, in each and every case.

 

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK?

Being there with a crime victim when they finally see justice done and their perpetrator held accountable for the suffering and loss he/she caused.

 

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR WORK?

Those rare times when I either cannot or fail to get adequate justice for crime victims.

 

Also, having the responsibility to review every unexplained or unattended death that occurs in my county. Those can be some dark and depressing reports to review.

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WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND THE WORK YOU DO?

That it is essential to maintaining a safe community, and that I see it as an honor.

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WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM?
That it runs slowly for a reason. If they were the person accused of a crime, then they would see the timelines and rules differently than we view them as average citizens or as victims. 

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DO YOU HAVE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU PARTICIPATE?

Rotary Club of the Western Treasure Valley.

Board Member-Project Dove

Board Member-Star Center (Child Abuse evaluation services)

Youth sports coach

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DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING HOBBIES, SKILLS OR TALENTS?

I love to be busy fixing or building things. From working on the cars to building a tree house for my children, my weekends are typically very labor intensive. It feels good to do something far removed from my daily normal.

 

I enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking and golf. The outdoors holds a special place for me. Just being out there connecting with the world around me helps me find a peace that lets me deal with the darker aspects of my job.

 

Of the work of your office, what makes you the most proud?

 

Representing those who struggle to find a voice. This includes child victims, elderly victims and domestic violence victims. Standing up for them when their either can't or won't stand up for themselves gives me an immense sense of pride.

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EXAMPLES OF DIVERSION PROGRAMS AND/OR ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS YOU HAVE INITIATED IN YOUR COUNTY.

There is a statute numbered ORS 137.533. It gives what is called Probation Without Judgment of Guilt. This law allows a TRUE first-time offender of minor crimes to possibly keep a clean record if they comply with some strict probationary requirements. The program was not being utilized when I arrived here, and I instituted it immediately. Not all young and first-time offenders need to have something on their permanent record.

 

I also fully support and participate in our county's drug court program, and believe that it CAN make a difference in the lives of addicts who put in the work and truly want to change.