Issues
Expand Second Chances For Those Who Deserve It
Dakota has seen first-hand the impact of addiction on individuals, families, and our communities. As the defense attorney for the Douglas County District Court Drug Court, Dakota strongly believes that we cannot prosecute or arrest our way out of drug problems. Instead, Dakota has witnessed the importance of giving people the services and resources necessary to combat this disease.
As District Attorney, Dakota will work with our Douglas County Commission and local partners to increase funding and services to divert approved offenders into treatment and away from our jail system. Dakota also strongly supports expanding the use of reentry programs that help reintegrate incarcerated people successfully back into our community. Dakota supports all efforts to provide housing services, employment assistance, and substance abuse and mental health treatment to people reentering our community or who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.
Rebuild Relationships With Community Partners
Our community is safer when we work together to find common sense solutions. This requires a District Attorney who will be a respectful partner with community groups, business leaders, the courts, and other law enforcement agencies. As District Attorney, Dakota will work collaboratively to repair these broken relationships that block progress and endanger our community.
Retain And Train Professional Prosecutors
Consistency and professionalism are key tenets of a fair and equitable justice system. For our system to work, victims, judges, attorneys, and defendants all must be treated with respect and decency. Our community deserves a District Attorney who embodies these beliefs and will lead by example.
We must return the focus of the District Attorney's Office to training and retaining prosecutors and staff who will seek justice through professional, consistent, and respectful prosecution and advocacy. Currently, there is a revolving door of prosecutors and staff, leaving victims in limbo and delaying justice. Each time a case is handed to a new prosecutor, victims are retraumatized and must relive what is often the worst experience of their lives.