|
Fredericksburg commonwealth's attorney candidate Erin Olson (center) introduces himself as fellow candidates Joseph Hicks and LaBravia Jenkins listen at a forum last night. |
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
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com
