02-12-2012, 08:07 AM
I appreciate Mr. Dammerville's response, and I especially respect his candor regarding the investigation of the fire captain's case. The fact that there is a civil case pending does somewhat circunscribe the discussion, but the salient points are there. I would, however, add that a candidate for the office of County Prosecutor should make it his business to be familiar with such notorious cases. The case in question was only one of several such cases in the last several years that have left considerable negative impressions. It would have inspired more confidence in Mr. Roth had he been prepared.
In the interest of moving the discussion forward, I would now like to ask Mr. Roth (and Mr. Ashida, should he care to join in) what the Prosecutor's Office would do under his leadership to rectify such problems with investigations and evidence. Yes, I know that the Prosecutor does not control the police, but there are, or should be, avenues for communication, education, and correction of deficiencies.
It all comes down to accountability. The Prosecutor, being elected, has the supreme accountability and discomfort of dealing with the electorate, not to mention pests like me. The police and judiciary, however, are in need of structural accountability, something sadly lacking and requiring legislative or even constitutional reform. And yes, I have publicly and privately needled the Police Chief. I have also written emails to judges whom I thought needed a strong message, so I'm not just picking on you guys in the Prosecutor's Office.
In the interest of moving the discussion forward, I would now like to ask Mr. Roth (and Mr. Ashida, should he care to join in) what the Prosecutor's Office would do under his leadership to rectify such problems with investigations and evidence. Yes, I know that the Prosecutor does not control the police, but there are, or should be, avenues for communication, education, and correction of deficiencies.
It all comes down to accountability. The Prosecutor, being elected, has the supreme accountability and discomfort of dealing with the electorate, not to mention pests like me. The police and judiciary, however, are in need of structural accountability, something sadly lacking and requiring legislative or even constitutional reform. And yes, I have publicly and privately needled the Police Chief. I have also written emails to judges whom I thought needed a strong message, so I'm not just picking on you guys in the Prosecutor's Office.