Candidates Gallegos, Dikeman field questions in first forum
by Christine Bensen-Messinger, 4/14/2006
The attendees, who ranged in political affiliation, appeared to be split as to which candidate they have already decided to support.
Questions came from local attorneys Bill Barnum, David Crane, Manny Daskal and Andy Stunich, who Mike Harvey, the local Republican Central Committee’s second vice chair, said had varied views.
In his opening statement, Dikeman said when Gallegos first came into office he was inexperienced. Gallegos now has experience, he said.
“That record reveals that he doesn’t understand the position he’s in or how to use it,” he said. “I too have a record, but that record revolves around excellency.”
Dikeman went on to list issues that he is concerned Gallegos’ is not addressing in the DA’s office that he said he would address such as making it an unpleasant place for other prosecutors to work.
Gallegos said he was elected to bring change to the office.
“I brought that change,” he said.
As for cuts in the staffing level, Gallegos said there have been budget related cuts and he has done what he can do to keep the staffing levels up.
“I gave up my secretary so we could have the most attorneys in the office,” he said. “I have and will continue to place community safety as my top priority.” He also said he has taken a 10 percent pay cut.
Following opening statements, the two candidates were given 90 seconds to answer each question.
Before Gallegos came into office, Dikeman said it was staffed with a group of experienced attorneys, but some of them left and others were fired.
“We have a group now that is less experienced,” he said, adding that they are bright, but need training.
Dikeman said the office needs to start attracting experienced attorneys to the office and make them want to stay.
“We continue to get good applicants,” Gallegos said, adding that often times they end up not accepting the job because they are offered better paying jobs in other DA’s Offices.
As for their thoughts on a police review committee, both candidates said they did not think it was necessary.
Gallegos said as long as the DA’s Office remains independent he does not think such a review board is necessary.
“That’s why I’ve never asked for law enforcement endorsements,” he said.
Dikeman said he thinks such a review board would add another level of bureaucracy.
People with concerns about police conduct can bring their complaints to the agency where the officer works and if need be the DA’s Office can look into it, the grand jury can investigate it and civil action can be taken. In situations that resulted in death a Coroner’s jury can also get involved in the investigation, he said.
As for questions about plea bargaining, both candidates said it is a necessary part of the system, but Dikeman said under “Mr. Farmer’s regime,” each time a plea was made it had to be justified in writing, something Gallegos did away with when he came into office.
“Certainly there are always community concerns about plea bargains,” Gallegos said.
Last year he said 7,000 cases were filed and with the amount of time, courtrooms and attorneys available, if no cases could be plea bargained, more than 6,000 would have to be dismissed.
“It’s an essential part of the office,” he said. “Certainly in … my office the number one priority is violent crime.”
Other questions posed to the candidates included the issue of the lawsuit against The Pacific Lumber Co., fines for trespassing and changes they would make to the office.
(Christine Bensen-Messinger can be reached at cbensen@eurekareporter.com.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
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