Concerned Voter asks Maggie Fleming…

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Leadership

Under Paul Gallegos, the assistant district attorney (ADA) was responsible for the nuts and bolts, day-to-day operation of the DA’s office.  The ADA supervised the deputies, fielded countless questions and, perhaps most importantly, actively mentored the many new and inexperienced deputies.

On your campaign website you state, “I did not plan to seek a political office, but I am running because I know I have the qualifications, experience, work ethic, professionalism and managerial training to best serve Humboldt County.”

For many years, Wes Keat served valiantly as ADA.  When he retired, did you apply for the ADA position?  If not, why not?  

 

— Concerned Voter

Response

Maggie Fleming

Thank you for visiting my website. 

I did not seek the ADA position when it became available nor did I accept the position when it was offered to me by Paul Gallegos.  Here’s why:

The main reason is I felt my greatest contribution to the office would be made by continuing as a Deputy District Attorney making regular court appearances and handling trials. I also believed that given the critically low number of attorneys in the Office at the time, the Assistant District Attorney position was a luxury we could not afford.

Another reason I did not take the ADA job is I had seen the difficulties faced by Wes Keat when he held the position. It was defined in a way that prevented success: the position lacked the authority needed to guide the actions of Deputy DAs.   Because we conferred frequently I know that the frustrations then inherent in that post, including an exasperating personnel issue (since resolved), led to his early retirement.

I agree that Wes Keat performed valiantly as ADA, I have the utmost respect for his knowledge and performance as a prosecutor, and I am gratified that he supports my candidacy.  When recently asked about my decision not to pursue the ADA position, Wes stated: “Maggie’s decision was informed by my advice and was in the best interests of the organization.”

Finally, about the mentoring: The Assistant District Attorney position did not offer greater mentoring opportunities than my senior DDA position.  As several testimonials on my website make clear, I was able to assist in the training of early-career prosecutors as a senior Deputy District Attorney; the process was facilitated by my being in the courtroom on a daily basis.  Neither the Assistant District Attorney position nor any of the Deputy DA positions had any defined mentoring roles.