— by Don Hall, Decatur Island —
Nick helped us with a difficult legal issue a few years ago and his guidance led both sides to a fair and equitable solution. We also appreciate his concern about our quality of life on the islands. He is running for Prosecutor to confront those who bring hard drugs into our community and to increase the quality of legal advice provided to the county protecting civil rights and saving taxpayers money by avoiding unnecessary lawsuits. Nick Power is our choice for the election of the County Prosecutor.
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San Juan County is blessed with a lot of good lawyers. It’s great that Mr. Power provided advice enabling a fair and equitable solution.
Unfortunately, the prosecutor’s powers do not generally include avoiding lawsuits; only the county, acting through its authorized agents can do that. It is the client, not the lawyer or prosecutor, who for business or other reasons decides to go ahead with an action or to refrain from an action with and often without asking advice in advance. This is what prompts or prevents lawsuits. And when something is referred to the county’s risk pool for defense, the county is defended by risk-pool-designated counsel, usually an out-of-town lawyer. The prosecutor has no control over any resulting award or settlement.
Finally, the sheriff does the arresting and investigation under entirely separate authority. There was a time long ago when prosecutors and deputies carried weapons and had power of arrest. No more. Mr. Power will not likely be welcomed onto the sheriff’s investigative team though he would be kept abreast of developments.
It is common in political campaigns to raise people’s expectations. This is no service to the voting public, though I have no doubt that Mr. Hall’s expression of expectation was made in entirely good faith.
Bill- you separate issues very well (and logically). I very much appreciate the quality of your mind and that you’re a fellow member of our community.