At this point in the election cycle, we at LoCO assume you’ve skimmed several dozen-or-so letters to the editor in other local publications containing glowing support for Political Candidate X. You know how these things go: “I’ve known Candidate X since such-and-such year, and in the time they’ve proven to be great in these many ways.” Useful information, maybe, but eyes tend to glaze over rather early in the process.

Now, with LoCO being a non-traditional newz source, we’ve been mostly able to avoid the onslaught of these letters. Most of the candidate rah rah-ing has occurred in our comment sections or over in the LoCO Elections universe. And we kind of like it that way. Handling that copy can get tedious and we can’t imagine readers are that charged by the content anyway. We could be wrong.

Today however, we received an email from a prominent local figure with the ominous subject line “Letter to the Editor” containing some verbal applause for one of our esteemed District Attorney candidates. 

OK, OK. After a very brief editorial powwow, your Lost Coast Outpost has decided to publish its first campaign season-related letter, but we’re gonna make a little game out of it. We’re gonna take out the name of the candidate being supported, the person supporting them and most of the info that would indicate which candidate is being praised. Will this be fun? We dunno, but the first commenter to guess who the parties involved are gets a big hug from LoCO staff redeemable if you drive your keister to our office. 

Oh, and if you feel like you’re missing out on some crucial information, never fear. This same letter will likely appear in the T-S tomorrow anyway.

# # #

I am writing to express my support for _____ for District Attorney. As a _____-year law enforcement and corrections professional and a Council Member for the City of _____, I am concerned about the safety of our citizens and the negative impact that crime, drug addiction and homelessness has on our community. 

In these times of slow economic recovery coupled with the effects of prison realignment and jail overcrowding, we need a District Attorney with experience and foresight to prosecute and incarcerate the offenders who pose the most risk to public safety. At the same time, we need a District Attorney who has the experience and foresight to recognize the value in crime prevention programs, substance abuse treatment and mentally ill offender programs for those who are assessed and deemed appropriate for community supervision.    

As a Council Member I look forward to working with _____ as our District Attorney to improve safety in the City of _____.  Like all of us, _____ is concerned about late night jail releases and is supportive of legislative changes that will address this problem.  As our District Attorney _____ will be proactive and collaborative, and s/he has what it takes to find creative yet sound solutions to our crime problems.  His/Her _____-year record as a prosecutor speaks for itself. S/he is tough yet fair and will seek justice for all.  Please join me in voting for _____ for District Attorney.

_____
_____ City Council Member