As a community, we face a critical challenge with the opioid epidemic that affects families across all walks of life. My plan focuses on a multi-faceted approach that includes enhancing drug prevention programs, supporting recovery through community-based treatment options, and targeting the suppliers of these dangerous substances.

With my background in social work and criminal law, I understand the significant impact that access to resources and treatment programs can have on improving life outcomes. As your prosecutor, I would support a multifaceted approach in Bannock County that emphasizes prevention, rehabilitation, and support for those suffering from addiction. This not only aids individual recovery but also enhances our community’s overall quality of life.

By supporting mental health and substance abuse programs, we can prevent crimes before they occur and offer recovery pathways rather than punishment. This shift allows our office to concentrate more effectively on prosecuting serious offenses such as violent crimes, child abuse, and sexual assaults.

On the other hand, drug traffickers should go to prison and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

Currently, the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office charges hundreds of simple paraphernalia cases as felony possession cases every year. If they can scrape a controlled substance off of a pipe or out of a baggie, then they charge people with a felony. Even if there isn’t enough of the substance left to use. This broad overcharging of cases is clogging up the local court system. 

When I worked in that office from 2015-2019, there were two felony drug prosecutors and only one sex crimes prosecutor. I believe that Bannock County wants our prosecutors to focus on drug traffickers and sexual crimes, not empty baggies with trace amounts of drugs in them.

Our local jail faces significant overcrowding issues, which leads to the costly transfer of inmates to other counties. By endorsing diversion programs that guide non-violent offenders toward educational and vocational opportunities, we can alleviate this issue. These programs are vital for reducing recidivism and will help correct the financial burden caused by jail overcrowding.

By championing these initiatives, I am committed to creating a justice system in Bannock County that is not only just and effective but also economical and reflective of our community’s values.