Mitch Roth running for County Prosecutor

[Kelena]

Yes, I stand corrected and apologize. I did not independently investigate the facts of the case. It is not unusual for a person with no prior convictions to be granted some form of leniency, even when an accident involves the death of another person. We want justice, but we also don't want to throw away another life, especially when that life is spent in service to the public. It is sometimes a difficult balance. One thing I have noticed is that we sometimes gin up the outrage machine a little too quickly when we don't know all of the facts, and I am guilty of that. I'll be more careful in the future. I believe we are entitled to know more about the prosecutorial decision in this case, though. Were there previous arrests for DUI, that were not charged.

Regarding plea bargains, these are a necessary evil. My focus, of course, would be on violent crimes, and rampant non-violent crimes, such as burglary. I would also focus on meth, which ruins lives and which is the cause of much crime.

I agree with opihikao that it is a lot to expect one person, including Mr. Roth, to change the entire justice system. And if you incarcerate every single person convicted of a crime, be prepared to pay the price for that.