To the editor:
Until January, I was a deputy district attorney in Lincoln County. I was responsible for child abuse and sexual assault crimes, chaired the child abuse multi-disciplinary team and sexual assault response team, and was a member of the major crimes team.
While working in Lincoln County, I developed a deep love for the area, so I threw my name in for consideration for appointment as district attorney when Michelle Branam left. I was, however, not surprised at the appointment of Jonathan Cable. Mr. Cable’s connections to the area far exceeded those of any other applicant. He has impressive experience that will, and has, served him well as
district attorney.
I left Lincoln County, but remain passionately interested in the success of the district attorney’s office. I know and respect both candidates in the May primary election. Lanee Danforth is a very smart attorney. When she is invested in a case, she throws herself into it, and she is usually successful in trial. She is a real resource in that office. She is perfectly suited to be a deputy district attorney, and an excellent one.
She is not, however, a leader. Lanee Danforth is the wrong choice for district attorney.
The position of district attorney is an administrative and political one. The district attorney has to be a leader, an inspiration, and a deft manager of people, budgets, expectations, relationships, and messages. Crucial to the success of the district attorney is transparent, ethical, dedicated focus on the role of the DA in the system, and the importance of independence and absolute adherence to the law, recognizing the awesome power of the position.
It is important that a deputy district attorney is a good trial attorney. However, exceptional, ethical leadership is what Lincoln County needs in a district attorney.
Lincoln County has a well-qualified district attorney in Jonathan Cable, and a well-qualified deputy district attorney in Lanee Danforth.
— Christine Herrman, Salem