1. Why do you want to win this position?

I’ve been serving as the elected Barry County Prosecutor for over 11 years now. The prosecution of criminals is a calling. This is not an easy job and certainly not for the faint of heart. It is vitally important that the prosecutor ensure the judicial process is fair to all involved in the system. I’ve been doing that for over 11 years and would be grateful to the voters to be allowed to continue doing this important work.

2. What are your qualifications to be Barry County prosecutor?

I’ve been a licensed attorney, practicing law in Barry County for over 30 years. I’m currently in my 12th year as the elected prosecutor for Barry County. During that time, I’ve successfully prosecuted an enormous range of crimes, from murder to stealing to drugs. In the first 11 years on the job, 1,392 cases have resulted in 8,978 years in prison, not including those serving life sentences.

3. What are the three biggest public safety issues facing Barry County today, and how would you address them?

The largest issues by numbers are drugs, stealing and assaults. I have been addressing them through prosecution of cases with stiff penalties for those defendants convicted of these offenses. The Missouri legislature has seen fit to increase the potential penalties for repeat offenders in all of these categories, making longer prison sentences a possibility. The biggest problem lies with domestic assault cases. I attempt to make victims aware of the resources our communities have to offer to attempt to help the victim leave a dangerous situation. Those victims don’t always want to pursue charges, even when his or her health and safety are at risk. Their lack of cooperation makes the case difficult to prosecute and the cycle of abuse, for many, continues.

4. What specific steps would you take to reduce the number of repeat

offenders?

It has always been my practice to search a defendant’s criminal history in order to obtain prior convictions. With those, the range of punishment for the current offense can be enhanced, which means those repeat offenders spend more time in the department of corrections.

5. What types of crime deserve the most attention from the prosecutor’s office?

All crime deserves attention. No one case is more important than another, however, certain crimes are more serious. As a prosecutor, I focus our efforts and resources on violent crimes, involving victims that have been physically injured or killed. Property can be replaced; those who suffer physical injuries or the death of a loved one can never be made whole again. The punishment must be severe for such crimes.