Grant County Prosecutor

I have served in Law Enforcement since 1998, and during this period of time I have, I investigated complaints, issued citations and infractions, and arrested people for crimes they committed.

When the Grant County Prosecutors Office was vacated, and applications were being accepted for an interim-prosecutor, Mr. Lee was the only candidate  that took the time to come up to Coulee City and meet with me and ask specific questions, and even ask for input on the direction that the Prosecutor’s Office should be heading in for the future.  He asked for my endorsement then, and I did not give it to him.  I barely knew him, and hadn’t had a chance to evaluate him.  I have now had that opportunity, and I like what I see.

Take the Bad Check program. This one change alone will save countless hours spent by local law enforcement investigating bad checks.  Hours that can be better spent on the streets, being visible and reducing other crimes.

I am a strong supporter of increasing the juvenile prosecution and detention system in our county. The addition of a second prosecutor to focus on this area has helped greatly.  By reorganizing the office, Mr. Lee made this a reality, so that today’s youth learn early that crime does not pay. To me, it makes sense to show young people that they will be held accountable for their actions. This is especially important with gang activity.  The old ‘slap on the wrist’ approach just wasn’t working.

With jail populations, and budget issues, I applaud Mr. Lee for looking into methods and processes to streamline prosecution, and make sure that the limited resources of the county are put to use in areas where it will have the most impact on reducing future crime.

Mr. Lee has worked hard for law enforcement and crime victims in this county; he has heart, guts, a vision for the future, and a strong desire to do what’s right for the victims of crime.  I am very pleased with his approach to the job and the work he has already done.  He has my vote, and my full support.

Nathan Poplawski

Coulee City

Originally published June 25, 2009