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Politics

2012-11-09 08:38:20

Know your local candidates - part 2

Last month we introduced you to Crawford County Attorney candidate Angela Trimble. Angela’s key concerns were community safety and the prosecution of crimes, especially those involving methamphetamines. Q&A Times: What experience, professional or personal, makes you best to address these issues? Trimble: I have a well-rounded 17-year career of law practice in Southeast Kansas, both criminal and civil. As a current part-time Assistant County Attorney in Labette County, and former full-time Assistant County Attorney in Crawford County, I have prosecuted various types of cases. I have represented those accused of crimes, including the manufacture of methamphetamine, and I have seen first-hand the destruction and chaos that meth causes in people's lives. I have also prosecuted a large number of cases where, unfortunately, the use of drugs and/or alcohol has caused devastation of personal and family life. I have personally tried cases where defendants were charged with aggravated burglary, rape and homicide. One of the notable trials as an Assistant County Attorney in Crawford County was a rape trial that resulted with conviction and long-term incarceration of the defendant. I also was the prosecutor in an aggravated burglary trial of a young college woman who was terrorized and brutally beaten. That trial resulted with the defendant convicted, to serve a 40-year+ incarceration. There have been other cases which resulted in a plea bargain that included mandatory prison time, while I have been serving, and I am also getting results. I have specialized training in SANE/SART (rape cases), Finding Words (child abuse cases), National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (child sexual abuse and missing children), Arson, and Domestic Violence. I have served on boards of directors for agencies that address family issues. These include CEVC (Child Exchange and Visitation Center), CAC (Children's Advocacy Center) and Mother-to-Mother (a support organization for families and children). My career in civil practice adds to my skills as a prosecutor. Valuable experience has been gained as I have learned to work with all types of people. Techniques to handle and prosecute cases have been learned that I would not have if I had not spent time as a civil trial attorney On a personal level, I have a strong work ethic and feel a responsibility to be professional, hard- working, and do the best I can to represent the community. And, as a mother, I have a thorough understanding of the concern for the safety of our children. Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Trimble: I believe it is vital for Crawford County to have the best representation available within our court system through a County Attorney who attends all scheduled court appearances. To have a dedicated professional who will show up to work every day, determined to provide justice for victims of crime and an environment that criminals want to avoid. To have a county attorney who has a track record of producing meaningful trial results. Someone who can work with and show respect for the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement agencies. I also believe it is important to help some people who want to take responsibility for their non-violent, low-level mistakes to turn around their life without destroying their future and give hope to their family. Diversions play an important role in the legal system, but can be exploited if the program is not adequately monitored and participants held accountable. When I become the Crawford County Attorney, my diversion policy will dramatically differ from what is currently practiced. The program will not be offered for higher-level crimes. I will return full-time professionalism to the Crawford County Attorney's Office.