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Attorney hopefuls make pitch for job
Prosecutor candidates vie for support at forum.Date published: 12/4/2008 BY KEITH EPPS A crowd of about 85 turned out at City Hall last night to hear the three candidates for commonwealth's attorney in Fredericksburg explain why each is best suited for the job. LaBravia Jenkins, Eric Olsen and Joseph E. "Jeh" Hicks are seeking to fill the remaining year of Charles Sharp's vacated term. Sharp is now a judge, filling the void left by the death of Judge John W. Scott Jr. last April. The special election is Dec. 16. This is the first time in at least 82 years, and possibly ever, that the city has had a contested race for commonwealth's attorney. Hicks, a partner in the law firm Jarrell, Hicks and Sasser, vowed to bring "passion and a dedication to justice" to the job. He said that while he's never been a prosecutor, his broad background in various aspects of law makes him uniquely qualified for the job. A lifelong city resident, Hicks said he decided at age 11 to follow in his father's footsteps and become a lawyer. He said his knowledge of the city and his experience would benefit the city. Jenkins has been serving as the city's commonwealth's attorney since Sharp left in August. She has spent 13 years prosecuting cases, including eight in the city. Jenkins said the city prosecutor's office is already doing a good job and she wants to continue its "record of excellence." Jenkins cited her involvement in such ventures as drug court and the new Child Advocacy Center, as well as her experience in prosecuting various types of cases, as reasons the voters should choose her. Olsen, also a lifelong city resident, has worked in the Stafford commonwealth's attorney's office for 19 years. He is the longest serving deputy commonwealth's attorney in the area. Olsen said he would bring the same tenacity he's known for in Stafford to the city job. He said his wealth of experience makes him the most qualified candidate. Among other things, Olsen said he plans to assign a prosecutor to each of the city's four wards. That prosecutor would be his office's liaison with the public and would keep him better informed of the residents' concerns. The discussion was civil throughout, though there were a few jabs tossed about. Jenkins cited Hicks' lack of experience as a prosecutor and claimed that Stafford spends more than $2 million annually more on incarceration than Spotsylvania, a county of roughly equal size. Olsen countered that he will never let cost concerns compromise his commitment to public safety. The event was sponsored by the Maury Neighborhoods, College Heights Civic and College Terrace Neighborhood associations. Craig Vasey served as moderator. Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Read more stories about Fredericksburg Date published: 12/4/2008
justlooking
(posted by
2centsworth
, Dec. 8, 2008 1:27 pm)
I was able to find one reference concerning Joseph Hicks handling (and losing) a rape trial where he defended the rapist - no others. RacerX, Mr. Olsen cannot run for the head job in Stafford because the poisition is not open. Good and decent bosses want what's best for their employees and do what they can to help them move up. This is what Mr. Chichester is doing. Joseph Hicks may be enthusiastic, but he is wholly unqualified for the job. Look at the facts and realize that Eric Olsen is the answer.
Morganne...
(posted by
justlooking
, Dec. 4, 2008 4:47 pm)
Thank you for responding politely..I've seen others that have not. I believe Mr. Hicks has stated several times that he has experience in all areas of the law. I believe his clients wouldn't appreciate his disclosing cases. I know he has dealt with many cases as serious as wrongful death and abuse.. The truth is, he has gone against Labravia and Eric and had success. A government budget is not the same as real business budget. Just look at our govt to realize that. If you fail a business budget, your done.
Practicing law in the Court can be more challenging that Prosecuting
(posted by
URkiddingright
, Dec. 4, 2008 4:35 pm)
Commonwealth's Attorney cases are usually stacked in their favor. They have all the resources of the municipality, police, social workers, staff etc to help them with a case that wouldn't even be tried if they didn't think they could win it. Attorneys have to be accountable to clients who could lose everything. Jeh presented himself at the forum as a confident and experieced member of the legal system (definately more than Labravia) His decade of experience will allow him to be an effective CA.
Justlooking
(posted by
morganne
, Dec. 4, 2008 4:33 pm)
I didn't realize Mr. Hicks had dealt with many murder and rape cases. When I googled him, I didn't see any articles about him being counsel in cases of that nature, so if I'm wrong, perhaps he could put some info on his wevsite. As for budget, I have a feeling a business budget may look quite different than a goverment budget. Goverment offices do have budgets you know. That was my point and as Chief deputies I believe Ms Jenkins and Mr. Olsen may have had some dealings with these issues.
Morganne...Hicks has the experience and Leadership skills.
(posted by
justlooking
, Dec. 4, 2008 4:12 pm)
Olsen and Jenkins were employees of a CA. Their jobs are under the CA. Stop thinking they've been running an office. Mr. Hick has been directly overseeing a business for a decade. His office has to survive on real budgets ( you have to produce income to even have a budget) unlike a CA's office. Mr. Hicks has been practicing Law in the courtroom for the past Decade. You act like he's walking in front of a judge for the 1st time. He's dealt with murder and rape cases many times.
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