ER - Do your homework before you vote

Do your homework before you vote
4/22/2006

Dear Editor,

For what it’s “Worth,” it seems to me that part of endorsing a candidate for office would be for the voter to do his/her homework and list the accomplishments of their choice. I have done my homework and that is why I support Worth Dikeman for district attorney of Humboldt County.

Methods to obtain information would be to contact individuals that the present DA has terminated, those who have resigned, as well as those who have been “forced” to leave rather than compromise their integrity. That has been done in years prior.
Law-enforcement agencies are hard-pressed to come forward with their support because they “may” have to interact with the incumbent should he prevail.

In my research, I have found what Worth Dikeman is considered a “top-notch” prosecutor and as such was named “prosecutor of the year” by the state of California.

He handled the longest and most-complicated murder case in Humboldt County history (People vs. Price, 1984-1985), which resulted in the conviction and aided the feds in pursuing additional prosecution of the Aryan Brotherhood under federal organized crime statutes.

Aside from having the support of law enforcement, he has an unquestionable reputation in the legal community for his ethics, integrity and character.

Of paramount importance is his ability to be fair and balanced in determining what cases should be handled in criminal court and those which should not, unlike his opponent who has forged ahead with cases that should never have been filed in criminal court, displaying a clear lack of judgment and an abuse of power.

Accusations were made by Worth Dikeman and they should be addressed by the incumbent. The Grand Jury to which the incumbent, Paul Gallegos, is accountable came back with a public finding that the DA’s Office lacked leadership under his watch.

The number of experienced prosecutors who have left the office since the incumbent was elected is unprecedented in Humboldt County history.

Sometimes the best candidate does not “play politics,” which can be a disadvantage in our traditional election process.

However, I think this speaks well of Worth Dikeman, frankly. The District Attorney’s Office does not have to be a “learning process” when we have an experienced candidate such as Worth Dikeman. Do your “homework” and compare before casting your vote!

Mary Brown
Eureka

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