To the editor:
I am writing this letter out of deep concern for our community and to share some of the things I have learned after 22 years practicing criminal law, including 17 years as a prosecutor.
The Lincoln County District Attorney has many roles. The district attorney is: the chief law enforcement position for our county, responsible for decisions that have livelong consequences for everyone involved; chief policy administrator for the criminal justice system having to shape and institute programs such as Drug Court, Hope Court, Mental Health Court and pre-filing disposition programs to tailor options to our community’s specific needs; chief prosecutorial litigator responsible for not just cases, but also the evaluation and hiring of new deputy district attorneys and skilled support staff and their ongoing training; chief financial officer for the office, responsible for the efficient use of public resources to provide for a stable budget, even in unstable times; an important community leader, responsible for being knowledgeable about our entire community and its history, culture, economic, and social needs. The district attorney is ultimately responsible for prosecutorial ethics, defense of our constitutions, and protection of the separation of powers to maintain the integrity and independence of the office from undue influences within the criminal justice system.
We rely on experience to dodge pitfalls that we have stepped in before, and to prepare for changes. There is no substitute for experience attained over time. Local knowledge and respect must be earned over years in our community and are irreplaceable.
Jonathan Cable is the sixth district attorney I have worked for. I have been blessed to work for some exceptional district attorneys. I can assure you that Jonathan Cable fills all the district attorney roles. I am very thankful, on behalf of my family and community, that he is our district attorney and I strongly encourage you to vote for him in the May 19 primary election to keep all of the experience and integrity he brings to this incredibly important position.
— Brian Gardner, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Lincoln County
