Occupation: Polk County District Attorney

Occupational Background: Polk County District Attorney, 1999-present; Chief Deputy District Attorney, Polk County, 1987-1998; Deputy District Attorney, Polk County, 1985-1987; Attorney, private practice, 1983-1985; U.S. Naval Reserve, Judge Advocate General Corps, 1978-1982

Educational Background: University of Kansas, B.G.S., 1975; University of Kansas, J.D., 1978

Prior Governmental Experience: Polk County District Attorney, 1999-present; Chief Deputy District Attorney, Polk County, 1987-1998; Deputy District Attorney, Polk County, 1985-1987; U.S. Naval Reserve, Judge Advocate General Corps, 1978-1982

I want to thank you, the voters of Polk County, for your support over the past four years and to respectfully ask for your continued support in this election.

The overriding mission of the District Attorney’s Office is the successful prosecution of persons who commit crimes in Polk County. My staff and I are committed to the proposition that criminal behavior is unacceptable, that offenders must be held accountable for the crimes they commit, and that the needs of victims for both closure and restitution are integral parts of the criminal justice system. I am also committed to the principle of proportionality, namely that the punishment should fit the crime (and the criminal) and that persons who commit serious crimes should do serious time in prison.

Our office has a very competent staff, and the county can be proud of the work they do. Each of our felony prosecutors has a minimum of five years experience as a prosecutor, and experience brings with it the wisdom and judgment to make good decisions. We are also fortunate to work cooperatively with dedicated and energetic local police agencies who are equally committed to solving crimes and arresting the people who commit them.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the citizens who have served on juries (and especially the Grand Jury). This civic duty requires sacrifice by those who serve, but it is a critical component of a free and democratic criminal justice system.

(This information furnished by John William Fisher.)