One of my daughters recently asked me what I do for work. I told her, “I solve problems.”

Throughout my 13-year prosecution career I have pursued and promoted justice on behalf of Coconino County. I have prosecuted the most serious cases in the County–cases involving murder, criminal street gangs, domestic violence, and sexual offenses. I have focused on protecting the most vulnerable crime victims in our community, and advocated for prison sentences that would protect others in our community from violent and dangerous criminals. This is part of the daily work of “solving problems.” But not the whole part. 

The reality is that for the majority of criminal cases, incarceration is not solving the problem. Especially when the problem involves addiction or mental illness. Sometimes the best way to protect the community is to offer alternatives to incarceration for offenders who would benefit from diversion or treatment programs. 

I’ve seen the miracle of these types of programs. I was involved in the development of the Page Drug Court. I redesigned the Flagstaff Mental Health Deferred Program, which helps those suffering from mental illness. More recently, I led the effort to create the Pathways Diversion Program, an innovative pre-charging diversion that assists in the treatment of felony offenders arrested for drug possession. I am currently working with community partners to expand collaborative courts, such as Mental Health Court, Recovery Court, and Veterans Court. These programs, and others not yet realized, have the potential to make our community healthier and safer. 

I solve problems. But I don’t do it alone. I manage an office of 20 attorneys and 30 legal paraprofessionals who are also dedicated to protecting Coconino County and ensuring a well-functioning local government. I work daily with community partners who are also committed to find better and smarter ways to administer justice in our community. I teach prosecutors and law enforcement officers who have also sworn oaths to uphold the Constitution. Problem solving is not always easy. It takes time, and work, and–importantly–collaboration. 

Please join me in this effort by supporting me in 2024.