My name is Will Furse and I am your Republican candidate for district attorney.
Our system of criminal justice is the best in the world. It is an adversarial system that requires both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Both sides play equally important roles and neither side can claim higher moral ground.
Both the prosecution and the defense swear to uphold and preserve the Constitution. Both sides follow a strict code of ethics, professional conduct and procedure.
A prosecutor has a duty is to seek justice, not just convictions. Their obligation is to protect the innocent and enforce the rights of the public. A prosecutor should have a close relationship with law enforcement and detailed knowledge of their investigations.
A defense attorney ensures that the accused are not unfairly deprived of their freedoms while preventing governmental abuses of power. They uphold the basic Constitutional principle that we are innocent until proven guilty. Their efforts not only assist the accused, but also protect the community as a whole.
Throughout history, there have been places where only one side acts as judge, jury, and executioner. The consequences are horrific and unjust. Therefore, two sides equally important and morally equivalent are necessary parts of our great judicial system.
For nearly seven years, I have practiced criminal defense in Montezuma and Dolores Counties while earning the respect of judges, colleagues, clients and law enforcement. Without exception, I have defended our Constitution while supporting conservative beliefs such as small government, state sovereignty, and individual freedoms.
I am running for DA because I am sincerely invested in our community and want nothing more than to make it a safer place a place where the people are protected and our Constitution is defended. With passion and allegiance to our founding principles, I want to use my skill set to be your prosecutor.
My experience as a defense attorney provides a unique perspective and an exceptional understanding of trial skills and strategy unknown to my opponent. As an analogy: Wouldnt you prefer a former IRS agent helping prepare your taxes rather than a conventional accountant?
A prosecutor punishes those who challenge our natural rights. A productive prosecutor employs strategies to not only punish crime, but prevent crime. Unfortunately, we continue to suffer the costs of unproductive prosecution. Over the past year, we have seen drug arrests skyrocket 600 percent. We have seen violent crime multiply. And we have seen offenders repeat their actions without consequence.
As your DA, I will not allow this trend to continue. I will attack the causes of crime and not just the symptoms. I will be a partner to law enforcement, victim advocates, schools, social services, and other community organizations. Together we will implement simple yet innovative ways to prosecute and prevent crime.
For specific violent and habitual offenders, I will employ a never before seen no-plea-bargain policy where criminals will rightfully suffer the maximum consequences of their actions and others will be deterred from making the same mistakes.
For youthful and non-violent offenders, I will develop pro-active, pro-social sentences that promote success and rehabilitation. I will integrate educational and vocational opportunities in conjunction with rehabilitative programs so that our youth do not become career criminals.
As district attorney, I will represent and defend our community. I will implement smart strategies to reduce crime. I will preserve our Constitution while protecting you from those who try and take away your right to life, liberty, and property. Please help me accomplish these goals. I humbly ask for your vote so that I can help make our community a better and safer place.
Thank you.
Will Furse is a candidate for district attorney of the 22nd Judicial District in the Republican Primary.The election is being conducted by mail, and ballots are due by June 26. Furse can be contacted by emailing [email protected]; his website is www.furse4da.info.
