06/19/2026
I want to thank Commissioner Randy Johnson, Prosecutor Mark Nichols, and Sheriff Brian King for their willingness last night to answer questions at the P***c Safety Town Hall at the Dry Creek Grange. I would also like to thank the Calico Cat Social Club (101 Independents) for making this possible.
But more than anything else I want to thank the PEOPLE for taking time to express their feelings and ask questions of their elected leaders. It was a beautiful thing to see our democratic-republican form of government in action. This was people putting aside petty politics to try and come up with solutions for the public safety crisis we are currently facing in our County.
One thing I did notice was no judicial representation on the panel. We had two representatives from the executive branch of government (Prosecutor Nichols and Sheriff King) and one from the legislative branch of government (Commissioner Johnson).
As District Court Judge I would happily attend town halls such as this. Heck, I'm willing to do it now as a candidate. People are scared, frustrated, and angry. Commissioner Johnson, Prosecutor Nichols, and Sheriff King received it with both barrels and took it with grace and and humility. But the fact is these problems are NOT going to be solved if only two branches of government are stepping up.
The Commissioners have stepped up by funding the Sheriff's Office, such that they are at full capacity for the first time in a long while.
The Prosecuting Attorney's Office has stepped up by charging, prosecuting, and arguing for appropriate conditions of release and sentencing.
The judiciary however has not done the same. Defendants are released with no bail requirement, simply on a promise to appear. Defendants who flagrantly fail to appear are giving repeated chances with no consequences. Defendants charged with violent offenses are giving a no contact order (that they will not follow) but no requirement to post bail.
As a Judge I will do my part to end this madness. I say no more. No more catch and release. No more anarchy in the streets. No more criminals running amok.
It is time for the rule of law to be respected again.
Fair. Firm. Defending the Law.
