Unlike many political figures, I am not driven by ideological goals or party backing. I am a career prosecutor who is deeply concerned about the future of the Douglas County district attorney’s office and the quality of opposition candidates in the November election.
My goal is to serve the entire community, regardless of political affiliation, and I am deeply committed to this cause.
For the last 20 years, one party has overseen the district attorney’s selection, mainly through primary voting. Previous Democratic district attorneys have taken office with minimal or no prosecutorial experience. The current district attorney, Suzanne Valdez, came from academia without many prosecutorial qualifications, and her time in office has been unsuccessful.
My opponent, Dakota Loomis, is a career defense attorney heavily financed by massive business and Democratic Party support. However, he has never prosecuted a felony case. If he were elected, every prosecutor in the DA’s office would be more experienced than him.
The role of a district attorney is not like running for a mayor or city commission. It is the county’s primary law enforcement office, and it is crucial for the person in this role to be qualified and have prior prosecutorial experience.
I have significant experience as a state and federal prosecutor and know how to work with law enforcement, the courts and victims. I can address issues in an office affected by poor leadership. My campaign is focused on providing practical solutions to improve performance rather than promoting a political agenda.
Despite running as a Republican in a traditionally Democratic county, I am a moderate candidate and do not have the support of the state or national Republican parties. I am running for district attorney to allow the county to choose a prosecutor with extensive experience. If elected, my priority is to restore competence and efficiency to the office while remaining apolitical. I support democratic processes, the Constitution and the rule of law.
Unlike my opponent, who possesses the potential for many conflicts of interest, I would be an independent district attorney without connections to defense attorneys, political sponsors, former clients or business interests. Qualifications and independence are necessary requirements for a law enforcement position. To be a respected county prosecutor, one must handle numerous felony cases and trials over many years. It is not a job for an office manager or prosecution office administrator.
Recent history from the Douglas County district attorney’s office shows that the role is not easy to learn on the job. Simply stated, experience matters.
On Nov. 5, Douglas County faces a decision: Continue voting based on party affiliation, dislike of national candidates and name recognition influenced by political marketing to select another unqualified district attorney — or elect a qualified candidate without political or donor-related baggage.
I urge voters to recognize their power and responsibility in this decision and choose wisely.
Mike Warner is a candidate for District Attorney in Douglas County, Kansas.
Visit mikewarnerforda.com for more information about him and his policy goals.
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