I have lived in Island County since 1993. My kids grew up here and, like me, went to public schools and public colleges and universities.
I moved to Washington in 1986 for a job at Boeing, with a magna cum laude degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. I gradually came to realize that I wasn't cut out for corporate life and I was unsatisfied spending my days writing computer programs. I wanted to work with, and help regular people. The legal field seemed like a better fit, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted at the University of Washington Law School. I began my classes in the 1990 fall quarter.
As a legal intern in the elite Fraud Division of the King County Prosecutor's office, I learned from best and the brightest. It was there I began to develop trial skills, and was saturated with the ethical standards and commitment to justice that are at the core of all good prosecutors. As an intern, I was allowed to argue a significant case before the Court of Appeals, State v. Soderholm, that is still cited by prosecutors today as legal precedent. It was there that I learned my calling was to be a prosecutor.
Freshly minted with a law degree in 1993, we moved our young family (three kids under 5!) to Whidbey Island, where I began my career as a deputy prosecutor trying misdemeanor cases in District Court.
In 1998, when my predecessor chose not to run for re-election, 36-year-old me decided I could do this job. With the encouragement of mentors and my former colleagues in the office, I threw my hat in the ring. I was the only Island County attorney who was willing to vie for the job. Since then, I've stood for re-election five times, twice in significant and sometimes heated election contests. Each time, you returned me to office.
For 24 years you have humbled me with the privilege of serving as the Island County Prosecutor. You have entrusted me with a critical role in the administration of justice. I hope my performance has proven me worthy of that trust.
Rarely a day passes that I don’t draw on lessons I’ve learned from crime victims, police officers, judges, my amazing staff, defense counsel, and the legions of public servants who, like me, want to serve honorably. I am regularly required to make make tough decisions in pursuit of fairness and accountability in often agonizing criminal cases.
I want you to know that my decisions are always guided by the preeminent duties of promoting justice and protecting the rule of law. I’m proud of my successes trying many of the most serious criminal cases and advising my government clients on sticky legal issues. I put my experience to work on numerous county workgroups. I help improve the justice system at the state and national levels, too. I am a past President and a leader of crucial committees of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and I was selected by my fellow Washington prosecutors to be on the Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association.
County Prosecutor is a demanding job. I have come home at times wrung out and rattled from the excruciating work we prosecutors are called upon to perform. I could not have done the work for this long without the steadfast support of a loving family, and a group of mentors and friends who continue to provide me with perspective and encouragement. I also could not have done this work without the small notes, and the hugs and tears of gratitude from crime victims and their surviving family members. I've shed more than a few tears myself, in the privacy of my home. It is demanding, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I thank for you for the confidence you have placed in me and for giving me this unequaled opportunity to serve.
We face difficult challenges in these unprecedented times. Never doubt the importance of maintaining the democratic principles that are the foundation of our great nation. Besides your vote, I ask for your understanding and support of the unheralded public servants who are vital to our democracy.