...The DA must be able to: analyze and apply legal principles and practices; prepare, and prosecute criminal and civil cases; interview witnesses and complainants; advocate a wide range of criminal and/or civil cases; review motions, orders, pleadings and other legal documents; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically both orally and in writing; grasp the logistics of trials -- implementing practices and procedures to ensure that discovery is both timely and complete in each case to limit delays in trial preparation and conclusion; and establish and maintain effective relationships with county agencies, including, but not limited to, law enforcement.
Finally, the district attorney has to be able to recruit, teach and motivate junior prosecutors to do all of the above.
Humboldt County is faced with challenges, some of them the mundane problems of every California county, others more uniquely those of the North Coast. Each challenge profoundly affects individuals, families, and the community. The DA is someone who can make a significant difference in the community he or she serves -- with very real quality of life impact on residents.
Based on my years of experience, I urge my neighbors and fellow citizens to consider carefully what it takes to be the district attorney, weigh all the available facts objectively, meet as many candidates as you can, ask questions, consider answers, and decide wisely.
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