The Vision to Lead

The eight-point plan below lays out the values and priorities that will guide my work as Ramsey County Attorney. It has been shaped by the many conversations I've had with Ramsey County citizens about the community's needs, as well as by my wide-ranging experience in criminal, civil and public interest law and public policy.

As Ramsey County Attorney, I will:

1. Fight for the vulnerable

I will use my experience as a domestic violence prosecutor to continue putting abusers and those who prey on our children and seniors behind bars. I will stand up for the average citizen by pursuing more white-collar crime such as mortgage fraud. I will prosecute criminals swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law. Click here to read more...

2. Champion proven solutions that stop the cycle of crime and violence

I will leverage my credibility as a prosecutor to build support in today’s budget environment for existing prevention and intervention programs that have demonstrated success in reducing crime in a cost-effective way. Click here to read more...

3. Prosecute violent and repeat offenders aggressively and strategically

I will bring a "smart on crime" approach to prosecution, focusing scarce resources on violent and frequent offenders who undermine public safety and are a disproportionate drain on our criminal justice system. Click here to read more...

4. Protect civil liberties while maintaining public safety

I will solicit citizen input and advice regarding civil liberties, communicate openly with all groups and points of view, and work closely with law enforcement to support their efforts to protect both public safety and the rights of all citizens. Click here to read more...

5. Strive for a criminal justice system that provides equal justice for all

I will track key data regarding the charging and conviction of racial minorities, partner with community groups, and work to ensure the County Attorney’s Office better reflects the diverse community it serves. Click here to read more...

6. Foster community collaboration to reduce and prevent crime

I will provide creative leadership to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. I will make the resources of the office visible in the community, working in an inclusive, cooperative way with schools, non-profit organizations, and county agencies to provide “comprehensive care” for at-risk families. Click here to read more...

7. Promote innovation at all stages of the criminal justice system

I will draw on cutting-edge programs from around the country to make the County Attorney's Office a national leader and innovator in criminal justice in areas including prevention, intervention, diversion, recidivism and rehabilitation. Click here to read more...

8. Bring openness and transparency to the office

I will lead a County Attorney's Office that engages the community in dialogue on important issues and promotes transparency to ensure public trust in the legal process. Blog post on Priority #8 coming soon...