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Letters to the editor are opinion editorials submitted by readers. Letters to the editor are a long tradition in American journalism. The views and opinions of the writer do not necessarily reflect those of Mason County Press, its staff or its parent company. For more information, please refer to MCP’s Letter to the Editor Policy.
Dear Editor,
A longtime visitor, recent transplant to Mason County, I’ve been reading up on the three candidates vying for prosecuting attorney in the primary election Aug. 6.
Before poring over the candidates’ websites, I began my research online with the American Bar Association to understand what it means to be a prosecuting attorney, beyond my “Law and Order” TV education.
“The primary duty of the prosecutor is to seek justice within the bounds of the law, not merely to convict. The prosecutor serves the public interest and should act with integrity and balanced judgment to increase public safety both by pursuing appropriate criminal charges of appropriate severity, and by exercising discretion to not pursue criminal charges in appropriate circumstances. The prosecutor should seek to protect the innocent and convict the guilty, consider the interests of victims and witnesses, and respect the constitutional and legal rights of all persons, including suspects and defendants.”
The prosecutor, ABA describes, is not merely a case-processor but also a problem-solver responsible for considering broad goals of the criminal justice system; seeking to reform and improve the administration of criminal justice; and stimulating and supporting efforts for remedial action.
The prosecuting attorney serves the public and not any one government agency, law enforcement officer or unit, witness, or victim. Among the things one should avoid in this role, ABA says prosecutors should refrain from partisan, political or personal considerations in exercising prosecutorial discretion.
After visiting the websites of the three candidates, one gave me pause, touting endorsements from law enforcement, as well as Right to Life Michigan, who invited the candidate to a training on how to talk about abortion. The same candidate prominently features on all campaign material political party affiliation when the only candidates vying for the job are on the same ticket.
(Editor’s Note: The three candidates are running as Republican candidates in the Republican primary election and are required to declare their party affiliation).
According to ABA, a prosecuting attorney should avoid an appearance of impropriety.
One of the three candidates also stood out to me as embracing the broad and nuanced functions and role of this important position, Becky Lederer. On her website www.ledererforprosecutor.com, Becky details her priorities and path forward that reflect a holistic approach that I enjoyed talking to her about at a recent event.
While accountability, including prosecution and jail time for violent and repeat offenders is a priority for Becky, so is investing in data-driven prevention and diversion strategies to reduce recidivism, keeping vulnerable youth in school and on pathways to success, and addressing underlying mental health and addiction issues and making treatment and resources more accessible.
Becky has been a part of this community her entire life, practicing law here since 2007. Her commitment to protecting public safety and increasing community health and engagement is reflected in her 360-degree view of this position and her pitch for our vote Aug. 6. She’s got mine!
Sincerely,
Deborah Yonick
Ludington
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