The unexamined life is not worth living, the saying goes. If you put your name on the ballot, you don’t have to worry about that. Your life will be examined, as voters and community groups size you up.
In a democracy, that’s as it should be! In fact, beware candidates who avoid the interviews, community forums, and all the other venues where they might hear from real people, unscripted and unfiltered. Opportunities like these have been some of my most satisfying experiences on the campaign trail so far.
I enjoy the chance to sit down with interested groups and share my vision for the Prosecutor’s Office – and my case for why we need a change. I did that recently with some important law enforcement groups (the P.C. Deputy Sheriffs Guild and the P.C. Corrections and Sergeants Guild), who asked some very tough questions. I’m glad to say that I earned their endorsements and strong backing.
I faced a different set of tough questions during my meeting with the Pierce County Minority Bar Association. Like any bar association, members of the minority bar are concerned first with integrity in the legal profession and our justice system. They take ethical concerns seriously and asked some pointed questions about the incumbent’s actions.
But we discussed so much more than that, including issues minorities face in the criminal justice system and the legal profession. I so appreciate the time they gave me and the thoughtful dialogue we shared.
The discussion was part of the minority bar’s candidate evaluation process, and I’m glad to say they rated me Exceptionally Well Qualified, their top ranking. Thank you, members of the Pierce County Minority Bar Association, for the productive and thorough discussion – with more to come.