Cool Cleveland Interviews Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Candidates
As a service to the community, Cool Cleveland has invited all five Cuyahoga County Prosecutor candidates to respond to a series of questions prior to the primary election on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Because no Republican candidates are running, the Democratic candidate with the most votes in the Democratic Primary on Tue 3/6 will become the next County Prosecutor. Responses to these questions will be reprinted verbatim, up to the requested limit of 350 words total.
As Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, I’d look forward to bringing leaders in the justice system and leaders of minority communities to the table to resolve this issue. The need to reform the Grand Jury is one of the major reasons I decided to run for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. As a result of work by Reverend McMickle and Councilperson C. Ellen Connelly, we’ve already seen some positive changes and reforms related to selective drug law enforcement that had disproportionately impacted African-American youths. I’m especially proud to have received the endorsement of Reverend McMickle.
The purpose of the grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring forward a case against a suspect, and to determine what charge or charges are appropriate given the alleged crime. As a defense attorney, I’ve seen too many cases end up in the County Prosecutor’s Office because charges against are inflated to a felony, only to be pleaded down to a misdemeanor that could have been resolved without the burden of prolonged legal proceedings and additional legal fees. If the defendant is found guilty of the felony that’s been charged by the Grand Jury, the result is a de facto life sentence to un/under employment, in addition to whatever sanction the court imposes. This systemic injustice stunts the growth of the county and decimates communities. Additionally, while the Prosecutor can’t singlehandedly change the law regarding expungement, I will actively recruit and collaborate with legislators to re-examine and reform these laws. A sentence of lifelong unemployment is an unjust sentence for someone who has made a mistake, paid their debt to society, and is turning their life around.
Whenever possible, cases in which misdemeanor charges are appropriate should be handled in the cities where the incidents occur, thereby creating real community policing and encouraging local accountability. This will create a more just system, and a more efficient one. If we’re going to pursue charges against a suspect, there had better be a strong case. We need to make sure that the facts and only the facts are relevant in the pursuit of justice.
In the last 15 months, as I have introduced myself and articulated my positions to people throughout the county, many voters have been generous in sharing their concerns, beliefs and passion about our justice system. These conversations have helped me enormously. Not only have they sometimes challenged my beliefs but they have also helped me clarify my own thinking and philosophy with regard to the role of Prosecutor’s Office. One thing stands out the most however in these conversations; not just what was said and heard, but that the conversation was based on mutual respect and good faith. We are all members of the same community, and we all meet as equals under the law. I believe that those factors must be the basis for a citizens’ review committee. I envision such a committee to be convened, to pro-actively gather and share information, and critiques to help maintain and improve the quality of life for our community. All concerned citizens, county and city officials, and stakeholders shall have the opportunity to discuss with me both what is working and what needs improvement in the Office. The articulation of multiple points of view generates healthy discussion and can generate effective change. I look forward to the opportunity to continue this dialogue as County Prosecutor.