What have you done so far to understand the realities of poverty, substance abuse, and rural isolation in this county?

I've talked to as many folks as possible about all issues in this county which include poverty and substance abuse. I served in a rural county as a prosecutor before, so I understand the issues.

In a county where many people struggle to pay fines or afford lawyers, how will you avoid criminalizing poverty?

There are many approaches to justice; fines are only one option. Community service is one which can help the community and rehabilitate the offender.

Would you support alternatives to jail for low-level offenses if the county jail is expensive to run and incarceration often worsens poverty?

Jail alternatives for low level offenders is something I will support. The person's record will also be a factor in that decision.

How will you handle cases involving misconduct by local law enforcement officers you must work with every day?

Allegations of misconduct by local law enforcement would be investigated by an outside agency. I'd then review it as I would any report on any crime involving any person.

Rural counties often have limited investigators, public defenders, and forensic resources. What is your plan when the system simply lacks capacity?

The issue of public defenders is one for the County Commissioners. Forensics is my issue and I'd ask the state to assist as needed.

If a large timber company violated environmental regulations but provided jobs locally, would you pursue aggressive prosecution?

"Aggressive" prosecution is a loaded term. I'd handle a timber company case as I would any other case. There can't be double standards.

Will you commit to publishing prosecution data (charging decisions, plea deals, etc.) so the public can evaluate fairness?

I need to see how data is published now (if at all). I'd then put together a table or index showing reports vs filings or rejection and go from there.

I intend to check with the Montana AG's Office to see what they have regarding statistical reporting and use that as a model. Typically, I've not seen any prosecution office get granular on plea deals vs trial vs dismissals in my career but I'm open to going beyond what the AG does if it makes sense.