(Photos courtesy Matthew Filar)
Maggie Fleming emphasized the importance of ethics, hard work and experience this afternoon as she launched her campaign to become Humboldt County’s next district attorney. Speaking from the courthouse steps to a crowd of nearly 100, the longtime deputy DA and current county counselor vowed to treat everyone with respect, establish open lines of communication and pursue justice, which she called “the ultimate duty of a prosecutor.”
Fleming also reminded people that the position of district attorney is nonpartisan — a fact driven home by the people chosen to introduce her. First up was Jimmy Smith, the almost universally beloved former county supervisor who had to step down early due to health problems in 2012. He was followed by lefty Eureka City Councilwoman Linda Atkins and righty County Supervisor Rex Bohn. All three voiced enthusiastic support.
Fleming didn’t delve too deep into specifics, but several of her comments seemed directed toward current community concerns. For example, she promised to pursue treatment as part of sentencing for those with mental health problems, an issue that’s been raised in reference to meth use, homelessness and the recent murder of Father Eric Freed.
Fleming didn’t directly address marijuana, though she said she believes the community is “united in their views on illegal actions that seriously damage our natural resources.”
In a press packet handed out to reporters, Fleming says she believes weed will soon be legalized and regulated California, but until then she will respect the right to cultivate marijuana under Proposition 215 as long as it doesn’t threaten wildlife, public safety or the property of others.
Check the video highlights below.
One apologetic note: Your LoCO correspondent’s iPhone crapped out toward the end of Fleming’s speech, cutting out part of her closing lines. Here’s how they went: “I seek to take the politics out of the DA’s office and put ability, hard work and the highest ethical and professional standards in. I ask for your support and your vote on June 3. Thank you very much.”
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