Prosecutor candidates debate

MOSES LAKE — All three candidates for Grant County prosecutor gathered to talk to the Grant County Republican Women about the election Tuesday night.

The first public discussion between Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee, deputy prosecutor Albert Lin and attorney Robert Schiffner, the event provided the candidates time to discuss their campaigns, before they began answering questions from a group of 40 people attending at Pillar Rock Grill.

The Aug. 18 primary results reduces the field with the top-two vote recipients moving on to compete in the general election Nov. 3.

The candidates were introduced by Grant County Republican Women’s President Linda Bishop and given ten minutes each to speak about the issues and their experience.

Lin discussed his work ethic and determination to end violent crimes around the Grant County area.

“For 10 years I have worked as deputy prosecutor, fighting violent crimes and getting results,” Lin said. “I have learned that the most important concepts are responsibility and accountability.”

Lin expressed the importance of setting a good example as a leader.

“I would fight crime and do the best I can,” Lin said.

He then turned to a DUI case handled by Lee last year, accusing Lee of letting the offender off easy.

“This would not happen on my watch,” Lin said.

Lee asked permission to comment on Lin’s remarks and was permitted by the event organizers.

“Have you even reviewed the case before you spoke?” Lee asked Lin. “Before you make a negative attack you should read the case because your remarks are not factual.”

“No, I have not read it,” Lee admitted.

Schiffner was not involved in the exchange.

Instead, he focused on talking about his leadership skills and long history with Grant County.

“I was born and raised in Grant County,” he said. “Prior to moving back here, I visited around 42 states, which made me realize this was a special place to live.”

Schiffner shared some cases he led and how they prepared him for this position.

“I have found that the best chess player doesn’t look at the chest board, but walks to the other side to examine the other pieces,” he said about being both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. “I’ve been on both sides of cases.”

Lee talked of his accomplishments as prosecutor and his future plans.

“I have fought hard for gang crime and youth crime issues,” he said. “The judges are pleased with my progress as well as the women and men of law enforcement.”

Lee claimed he increased the number of deputy prosecutors by 30 percent despite a budget cut and helped bring about 198 juvenile charges so far this year, compared to 120 cases last year. He wants to increase in-office work productivity by hiring capable employees and encouraging hard work, he said.

After the speeches there was a question and answer session, allowing participation from the audience.

Candidates were asked who endorsed them.

“I have a broad coalition consisting of conservative republicans, county commissioners and Democratic support,” Lin said.

Lee attributed the Washington State Patrol troopers, the Ephrata and Quincy police officers, the Grant County Sheriff’s Department Association and joked how a youth soccer league gave their support with his wife as the groups leader.

“I am grounded in the community and care about their needs,” he said. “It’s not about us, we are there to serve the needs of the people.”

Schiffner said he had broad base of support from the community and various leaders.

“There are many people who put my sign on their private property,” Schiffner pointed out. “This is a big step because it shows that the neighborhood trusts and supports me.”

The high rate of gang-related homicides was mentioned and candidates were challenged by an audience member to present a plan.

Schiffner expressed the need for police to be more visible in the community.

“Physically seeing a marked patrol car on the street can prevent crime,” he said. “Prosecuting is one thing, prevention is another.”

Lin said the best way to end crime would entail a more aggressive approach.

“I would work together with law enforcement to be tough on crime,” he said. “The community needs a prosecutor to be as tough as nails — I’m that guy.”

Lee pointed out his hard work on this issue and said it is a top priority.

“Youth used to get away with a lot more crimes that were not reported. Now we charge everything,” said Lee. “Youth crimes are more accounted for.”

Candidates were asked to define what the job as prosecutor entailed.  They brought up responsibilities as well as goals.

“It is most important to give civil and legal advice to commissioners,” Schiffner said. “Our job is to make you safe.”

Lin used the phrase, “justice is not based on partisanship” to get his point across.

“The job is to prosecute crime in Grant County and give the right legal and civil advice to the commissioners,” Lin said. “A prosecutor must work well with other people to get the job done.”

Lee said he his experience as prosecutor made him realize he is responsible for the prosecution of all crimes.

“A prosecutor must do more than just give legal advice to commissioners,” he said. “Advice must be provided to all elected officials in Grant County.”

The candidate received a minute to wrap up the reasons for the public to support them. All mentioned their legal experience with Lee having 3 years, Lin 10 years and Schiffner more than 20 years.

Originally published July 15, 2009