Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
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I am Mike Warner, a candidate for Douglas County District Attorney. Thank you to the Lawrence Times for allowing me to communicate.
My webpage is mikewarnerforda.com. It describes my background and policy goals. There are also two recorded interviews. My website details my past accomplishments and outlines my goals if elected as district attorney.
I entered the race not as a political figure with ideological objectives and massive party support but as a career prosecutor concerned about the future of the Douglas County district attorney’s office. I have extensive experience as a state and federal prosecutor and understand how to collaborate with law enforcement, the courts, and victims. I can fix a dysfunctional office. My candidacy is centered on getting the job done rather than pushing a political agenda. I support democratic processes, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law — not a political party or person.
I will be an independent district attorney without connections to defense lawyers, political sponsors, former clients or business interests. Experience and independence are crucial requirements for a law enforcement position. To be called a prosecutor, one must handle numerous felony cases and trials over many years. Recent history shows that this role is challenging to learn on the job. Simply put, experience matters.
But why run as a Republican in Douglas County? I am running for district attorney to offer my experience as an alternative candidate and to place my trust in the collective knowledge of voters countywide.
This will be the first two-party, two-candidate DA election since 2004. This year, voters of all affiliations can choose the next DA.
From my interactions with citizens, it’s clear that there is dissatisfaction with the government at the county and city levels. A poorly managed district attorney’s office undermines justice and wastes taxpayers’ money, and I want to end this. It’s frustrating to experience public sector ineffectiveness and resulting tax increases. All voters deserve to be recognized and should be allowed to elect their public officials. Many hardworking individuals face economic stress from poor government management and property tax increases. One-party dominance should not control a county’s politics.
Voters need a choice of candidates. This year, they have it, and I believe they will choose wisely.
— Mike Warner, Lawrence, is a Republican candidate running for Douglas County district attorney in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election.
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