The race for prosecutor
2 candidates - 2 very different points of view
By Debbie Lowe

Huffer

Almost two weeks remain before the Nov. 7 general election. One of the most watched, and arguably most important races is the one for county prosecutor. The candidates for the race are divergent in their philosophies and their attitude about the role of a county prosecutor. Neither candidate is an incumbent, but both have experience in the prosecutor's office.

Democrat candidate Jim Huffer was county prosecutor in the past and Republican candidate Trish Thompson has been deputy prosecutor in Carroll County.

Both candidates agreed to be interviewed by the Comet and answered identical questions. For ease in comparison, each candidate's responses to the questions will be printed directly underneath each question.

Why would you be a better prosecutor than your opponent? Thompson: "Because it's my only priority. It would be my full-time priority. I believe Carroll County needs a full-time prosecutor." Huffer: "Because I know how to try cases. I don't know anything about my opponent, but I know she hasn't tried 122 jury trials. I know she doesn't have 20 years in the prosecutor's office."

Thompson

Are you the candidate to beat? Huffer: "I think so because I've done a lot of things in Carroll County. I grew up here. I am a trusted friend and neighbor of Carroll County residents. I've served on a foundation, the United Fund and I've been a board member for the senior housing project. Thompson: "Yes. There are changes needed in Carroll County. I have the fresh perspective and the youthful energy to get those changes accomplished."

What kind of campaign are you running? Thompson: "The same campaign I ran in the primary (when she ousted current prosecutor Rob Ives). It proved to be successful. I'm getting out there and talking to the public. Putting Mr. Huffer in the office is not a change. I'm still convinced I am on the right path for this county." Huffer: "Informative - I want people to know that I've served and served well. I can be counted upon to continue. I don't go knocking on doors personally because it's not judicial-like to beg for votes. But I have family members doing that."

Is it a true statement to say the county prosecutor is the highest ranking law enforcement official in the county? Huffer: "It says that in the statute." Thompson: "Yes. The prosecutor makes final decisions about charges to be filed."

What part does humility play in being an effective prosecutor? Thompson: "It plays a big part - the job is not about you as the prosecutor. It is about the victim - it's their case and the state's case. It's not about my ego. It is not about only winning or losing. There are a lot of factors to consider in a case." Huffer: "It doesn't play a lot. Understanding and empathy play more. You have to believe in yourself when you step in front of a jury. I am not humble when I step in front of a jury. You can't be humble in your duties. It's not appropriate to be humble in the prosecutor's job."

Talk about the power of the prosecutor. Huffer: "The power is extensive. The ability of the prosecutor to affect lives is greater than the judges'. No one can reverse the prosecutor's decision to file or not. But judges' decisions can be appealed." Thompson: "The prosecutor's office has a lot of power - you can have a lot of impact over peoples' lives. The decisions you make or don't make can affect the safety of police officers. And the way you treat people you come into contact with influences their view of the system."

How do you plan to manage that power? Thompson: "With humility, thought and consideration before acting. I would expect anyone working in my office (if elected) to treat people the way I treat people." Huffer: "I would use my intelligence, experience, common sense and knowledge of the past."

How will you inspire confidence in you with residents? Huffer: "By performance. By carrying out the prosecutor's duties with courtesy, common sense and competency. If I make a decision that I think might be controversial, I would convey the reasons for that decision to the public. Or I would call a grand jury for a decision." Thompson: "I think there's already a lot of confidence in me. I plan to have an open-door policy with regular hours for the public to visit and ask questions. I want to be visible to the public. And by doing a good job."

Do you plan to attend county council and commissioners' meetings? Thompson: "I would like to attend a lot of them. I think it's important to know what's going on in the community." Huffer: "Not unless I have to - unless I am presenting my budget."

What changes would you intend to make in how the prosecutor's budget is spent? Huffer: "None. I see no reason to change anything. I have no knowledge that a change is needed." Thompson: "I don't think diversion funds should be the primary source for funding positions. Grant money should be used for additional positions and to supplement current ones. I do not plan to visit the council for additional appropriations. I would like to employ a victims' advocate, but by using grant money. It would not be an additional cost for the county."

What personnel changes will you make if you are elected? Thompson: "I would appoint Christine Smith as chief deputy prosecutor. She is a deputy prosecutor in Boone County and Kristen McVey has accepted a position in Tippecanoe County." Huffer: "I would like to have Diane Kelley back. And I will pay Jean Ann Randle to assist me with pre-trial preparations and to assist me during trials. I will pay her from pre-trial diversion money. I'll never go to the council for an additional appropriation for the help. I have several candidates in mind for a full-time chief deputy. My preference would be to get someone with prosecutorial experience.

How do you plan to improve services within the constraints of your budget? Huffer: "I don't know that there needs to be changes to the current services. I'll be open. I'll talk to victims, but I won't set aside a special time for that. Anyone can call for an appointment to speak to me." Thompson: "I plan to be available to the community, by looking for alternative or additional funding streams. I will evaluate the office processes from the top down. I will ask 'how can we do this better?' Even the IV-D child support program will be evaluated - I believe there needs to be criminal sanctions for overdue child support offenders.

Talk about the three most important Carroll County events that have happened in the past six months. Thompson: "The primary election which decided the sheriff and in part, decided the prosecutor's race. The proposed dairy farm and expansion at Indiana Packers Corporation because those events will bring more people to Carroll County, which will have the potential to increase crime in the area. And the progress of the Hoosier Heartland Highway plans." Huffer: "I can't think of one. Things are stable in Carroll County."

Will you work full or part time if elected? Huffer: "Part-time, as always." Thompson: "Full-time for the reasons I've already stated."

How will you manage the caseload of nearly 800 cases filed each year? Thompson: "By redistributing the workload. I will accept more of the caseload. The current structure is based on a part-time prosecutor." Huffer: "Same as I did before. The critical thing is the examination of case reports and the filing of charges. Efficiency is what counts. I would have a full-time deputy rather than a part-time like before when I was prosecutor. I believe there are more arrests now, but I am not concerned about the Hispanic population. They commit situational crimes like driving without a license because they can't read enough English to take a driving test. I have great respect for Hispanics. It might not be popular, but I welcome them."

Give one sentence to readers that would convince them to vote for you. Huffer: "In my career, I've proven community involvement, professional competence in 33 years as a practicing attorney and 20 years experience in the prosecutor's office." Thompson: "It's time for a change."