Re-elect District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler

Time is short, but here is a brief explanation of my choice in this race, a reiteration of what I said on KFAQ last week.

I thought at the time that Steve Kunzweiler made the right, but uncomfortable, decision in the Shelby case, and I still feel that way, given the factual questions about the actions of Terence Crutcher and the reactions of Officer Shelby. Many of my legal friends who have both prosecuted and defended criminal cases feel the same way. Kunzweiler defended his decision on KFAQ last year, on June 21, 2017.

Compare that to Ben Fu's decision to drop a client he was defending in a criminal case once his involvement, a matter of public record, came to public attention. This client was Darius Padillow, who, it is alleged, shot at police officers, admitted it, and said it was to "send a message." Notwithstanding the appalling nature of the allegations, every defendant deserves a competent, vigorous defense, and to this layman's mind, it seems weak-kneed and unjust to undertake to provide that defense, but then drop it like a hot potato when the public becomes aware. We need steadiness and resolution from our DA.

I am certain that Tammy Westcott has the intelligence and integrity to serve as DA, but as I listened to her interview with Pat Campbell, I simply found myself disagreeing with the platform she outlined, particularly her focus on reducing incarceration rates.

You can hear all three DA candidates in Monday's debate on the Pat Campbell Show.

Steve Kunzweiler has made some tough calls in his four years as DA, but he has made those calls with fairness and professionalism. I am glad to have endorsed him four years ago, and I am happy to endorse Steve Kunzweiler for re-election as District Attorney.