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I agree whole heartedly with Peggy Jessel’s assessment of what the District Attorney’s race should be about (Daily Camera, April 15). Therefore, I join the chorus of citizens who support Mike Foote in his bid to become our next District Attorney. As a past legislative aide, I had a front row seat for floor debates, committee hearings, and meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists in his office. In Mike I saw great integrity, compassion, and depth of knowledge along with all the other attributes mentioned by Ms. Jessel.
Most of all I saw a man who sincerely listened when people came to him with their concerns. For example, at many town hall meetings people expressed their fears about fracking near their homes and schools at a time when there were more oil and gas company lobbyists at the Capitol than there were well site safety inspectors in the state. He responded to his constituents by standing up to the oil and gas industry and holding it accountable by writing successful legislation that increased fines fifteen-fold for safety violations which hadn’t been increased in fifty years.
Mike demonstrates his compassion for the most vulnerable among us by writing important legislation addressing protections for women and children, protections for the elderly, and protections for the immigrant community.
I believe that Mike’s 14 years of experience as a prosecutor in the Boulder County D.A.’s office makes him uniquely qualified to serve as District Attorney. He is familiar with the strengths and talents of the other prosecutors and how each can add the most value to the team. His record, both in the legislature and as a prosecutor, shows his commitment to justice and the safety of our community.
I strongly endorse Mike Foote for District Attorney.
Cheri Merriman
Boulder (unincorporated)
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