Krones and Farrington voice goals, concerns at ERTH
CLEARLAKE OAKS >> A tone of civility was apparent at a debate and forum for the position of Lake County District Attorney on Wednesday evening, according to Pamela Kicenski East Region Town Hall (ERTH) board member at-large.
Lake County District Attorney incumbent Susan Krones said, “Overall, I think it was polite and friendly. There were many thoughtful questions from the audience.”
Challenger Anthony Farrington concurred. “I did find the questions to be even and balanced and well thought out,” he said.
On Wednesday, ERTH hosted the debate/forum. It was held as part of ERTH's monthly meeting on May 4, from 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. and was open to the public.
The candidates were Krones and opponent Lake County attorney and former member of the board of supervisors, Farrington. They answered public questions to about 30 attendees at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks.
“What I am most proud of since being elected District Attorney is bringing integrity back into the office compared to the previous District Attorney,” Krones said after the debate/forum. “When I took office I decided not to use a county car and I would never take on private clients. My only job is as District Attorney and I have given that job my full loyalty and attention. People know that I am honest, hard-working and I have a wealth of experience as a prosecutor.”
Following the forum, Farrington said he offers common sense solutions “while Ms. Krones prefers business as usual with no ideas or proposed solutions.”
Farrington said there's a stark contrast between his and Krones's personal and professional backgrounds. He pointed out they have differing visions on how to deal with the need to increase prosecutions and hold misdemeanor defendants accountable.
Krones thinks she is the most viable candidate for the position, citing “The job of District Attorney requires someone with experience and training as a prosecutor. It requires someone who has the respect of the people in the office and can be a mentor to new deputy district attorneys.” She said, “I have prosecuted thousands of criminal cases in my 29-year career in Lake County and I have done a substantial number of jury trials. Extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure is fundamental to being District Attorney.”
However, Farrington asserted his affinity for leadership.
He said, “I will send criminals to prison for harming our children, especially for sex-trafficking and child pornography and end sentence bargaining for criminals that commit crimes of murder, rape, arson and child molest. I will regulate local motel owners that illegally house criminals; and I will also work to implement a “petty offense bench court” to reduce the frequency of jury duty for residents.”
Farrington added, “Like many residents, I have become concerned about the homeless population along with the increased crime rate in Lakeport, Middletown and surrounding areas. To combat these changes, we must fund law enforcement and elect a District Attorney who will be a leader, not just a lawyer.”
Krones said, “A true leader is someone who has walked the walk and whose decisions are made based on experience and a strong foundation in criminal law. Being a prosecutor is more than just prosecuting new cases, but also includes protecting victims' rights and ensuring that victims are heard. That is why the prosecutors in my office appear at all parole hearings with the victim and the family members of victims to ensure that they are not alone even though the trial is long past. While the legislature is passing new laws that seek to release thousands of serious and violent felons from prison, I have stood with other district attorneys throughout the state to oppose unearned credits for early release.”
Both candidates said they are tough on crime.
Farrington said,” As a County Supervisor, I provided 16 years of budget oversight for the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Department, Jail, Juvenile Hall, and the Probation Department. I have 10 years of experience in handling civil and criminal matters as a trial lawyer with state and federal jury trial experience and a 100-percent prosecution rate for domestic violence protective orders for abused women and children. I also represent children who have been abused and/or neglected by their parents as a result of crimes perpetrated against children.”
As for the future, Krones said, “District Attorney offices throughout the state are experiencing unprecedented staff shortages. My goal is to recruit new attorneys, investigators and staff in new ways. When I became District Attorney, our office upgraded our older case management system. In my second term I will continue to upgrade our technology in the office to increase efficiency. I will continue to advocate for a true Mental Health Court in the model of our current Veteran's Court. I am on the Road Map Task Force. As part of the Task Force I will work with the team to eradicate the illegal marijuana trade and the blight that goes along with it. I will continue to vigorously prosecute serious and violent felonies, crimes against children, the elderly and animals.”
Elizabeth Larson of LakeCoNews served as the moderator. The position of District Attorney functions as the chief law enforcement officer in the county. The DA's most essential duty is investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses on behalf of the people.
Denise Loustalot, the current chairperson for ERTH, said this was the first candidate forum/debate it has held. Loustalot, former Mayor of Clearlake, past president of the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce and local business owner, said the forum went well.
“We (ERTH) are here to serve the people. Bring your thoughts or issues to us and we will be the avenue for you to seek solutions,” she said.
ERTH is a municipal advisory council for District 3 Lake County. The purpose of the group is to increase the participation of the residents of the East Region of District 3 in decisions impacting its community.
Meetings are held at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks every first Wednesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
For more details and upcoming information, visit the ERTH Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/ERTHD3LC
Lake County District Attorney incumbent Susan Krones said, “Overall, I think it was polite and friendly. There were many thoughtful questions from the audience.” Challenger Anthony Farrington concurred. “I did find the questions to be even and balanced and well thought out,” he said.