This election year we are facing a double whammy; the race for Sheriff and the race for District Attorney. This has resulted in mud being flung from one end of the lake to the other. And not just flung at the candidates, but also at their friends, families and supporters. Feelings have been hurt, relationships shaken and friendships lost. A friend stated it best; she called it a perfect storm.
I”ve talked to hundreds of people about this election and the only consensus is it”s time for change. Alas, I haven”t had any luck finding two people to agree on who or what that change should be.
My vote for Sheriff will remain between me and my ballot, but I”d like to share a few of the many reasons I”m supporting Don Anderson for District Attorney. Unlike his opponent, Don has a versatile background in law ? criminal, civil, family, etc. Don is also credentialed to teach Law and Administration of Justice in California colleges. Don”s opponent does not share that same versatility, nor does he have a teaching credential. Knowledge and understanding of criminal law is an important element of the District Attorney”s role and undoubtedly, Anderson possesses that. What sets Don apart from his opponent is his experience on the other side of the fence. For every crime, there”s a victim. Don Anderson has demonstrated to me that he”s been an advocate for victims for his entire adult life. Like countless others in our community, my family has been, and continues to be, victimized and yet we receive little support and no compassion from the District Attorney”s office. It”s inconvenient and time consuming enough to get from South County to Lakeport, but to then be blown off by the agency that is supposed to have your back is extremely disheartening. Don Anderson is the only candidate with a solid plan to better serve South Lake County residents; he”s promised to open an office in the Clearlake area. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to talk about the crime that has been committed against you. Imagine the relief of a victim or witness living in South County, once they have mustered the courage to finally talk to someone at the DA”s office, to have that open door in their own neighborhood. Don”s opponent has offered his own solution to south county residents ? a telephone.
The Lake County District Attorney”s office needs Anderson to bring that compassion, knowledge, understanding and confidence back to the department.
Jody Galvan
Middletown
