Prosecutor's race is going to be active

So far three people have announced for the prosecutor's position here in Livingston County. Carolyn Henry, Bill Vailliencourt, and Matt Evans. There could be more running, as well. We'll see. I won't be surprised to see another name out there.

I don't know Carolyn Henry, although I know of her. She was a trustee in Howell Township and was elected after a lot of the controversies that were there. I do happen to know both Bill and Matt. Bill's an assistant prosecutor currently and has been active in the party in the past. He's a good guy. Matt's a defense attorney in Wayne County, and campaigned for office before in Green Oak where we both live. Our paths crossed on the campaign trail, and we have mutual friends in the legal profession. He's a good guy and a moderate democrat.

Good people or not, I'm not looking for a generic "tough on crime" prosecutor to vote for. I'm looking for a "smart on crime" prosecutor who uses appropriate discretion. That doesn't mean weak on crime. We need to be tough on the major crimes and the scum of the earth. Murder, Rapists, Child molestors, Thieves (all categories), domestic abusers. We don't need some dumb Monroe County gloryhoundness where kids are being charged for a stupid Animal House food fight. Not everything needs to be a criminal justice system matter. If the damage is that bad, tort liability should handle that. Those four kids aren't threats to society.

Those who are threats to society should be locked up. Those that aren't should be dealt with in other ways. Fines, restitution, probation, etc.

David Morse not running for re-election

From the Argus

Livingston County’s longest serving prosecutor, David Morse, announced today that he is not seeking re-election.Morse made the announcement to his staff on Friday and he confirmed it in an interview with the Daily Press & Argus this morning.
“I feel like I could have gone another two more years,” Morse said, noting that he didn’t want to retire half way into a four-year term. “I couldn’t face the voters knowing it’s a commitment I won’t be able to honor.”

I give Morse credit for that comment. A lot of people retire mid-term like its no big deal for extra money/benefits and also so the favorite pick can be appointed as a quasi-incumbent. Morse is letting the voters pick his replacement and finishing his term.

This means there will be a rare opening for the prosecutor's spot. Nobody has officially filed yet, but there will be some people running. Bill Vailliencourt and Bill McCririe might be candidates. Both have been longtime assistant prosecutors. Someone outside the office may run as well. It'll be interesting to see what happens here and with some of the other county offices. There is going to be some turnover this election season.

Maggie Jones is retiring from the county commission. Former Brighton Mayor Kate Lawrence is running for her spot. Dianne Hardy retired and was replaced by longtime assistant Jennifer Nash who is running as a quasi-incumbent. I've heard good things about her. Bill Green is running for County Commissioner for Jim Mantey's position. I don't know if Mantey is running for re-election or not. Bill Call is challenging Ron Van Houten who is running for re-election. Incumbents Bob Bezotte (sheriff), Dave Domas, Steve Williams, and Jack LaBelle are running for re-election.

Local governments are the governments we interact with the most. These races often get lost in the shuffle. We need to make sure that these elections receive the attention they deserve.