Apache County’s Financial Troubles Are A Serious Issue This Election

Apache County is currently facing a whopping $1 million deficit and a “freeze” has been placed on any new hiring. Why should this matter in your vote for County Attorney?

Sound Legal Advice Will Save the County Money

The County Attorney represents the county in civil legal matters. Civil matters involve a variety of non-criminal legal cases, such as interpreting ordinances, enforcing contracts, negotiating easements and the like.  I have been talking to people whose families have lived here for several generations and people who just moved here several months ago. I’ve listened to many people with low or fixed incomes struggle to understand why the county wants to enact a strict zoning code that may force financial hardship on residents. Others are concerned about eminent domain issues.  As an elected official, the County Attorney has a responsibility to make sure that any new ordinances or other civil matters are constitutional, are in clear and precise language, and serve the financial and social needs of the County's citizens.

The bottom line is that if the County Attorney incorrectly advises the county, the wrong advice will ultimately cost the taxpayers a great deal of money.  Bad advice can possibly result in lost revenues and jobs.

Weighing the Costs of Criminal Actions

The County Attorney is the highest elected law enforcement officer in Apache County. The Sheriff investigates and arrests, but the County Attorney decides if the accused person should be charged with a crime and ultimately prosecuted.

Prosecutions can be time-consuming and costly.  The incarceration, gathering of evidence, and ultimate trial (and possible appeal) are not free.  All of these steps require county funds.  When this power to prosecute is abused the citizens of this county lose. There is no one to “check” or “stop” the County Attorney from abusing this power to prosecute except the voters.

I believe that "meth" is a serious crime that must be prosecuted in Apache County; however, I will not abuse the power to prosecute alleged criminal activities. 

Next Issue:  Apache County's Drug Problem | Related Topic:  Education and Experience