Changes and Improvements

“New Scott County Attorney Mike Walton took some direct action that affirms for certain the No. 1 job of his office: prosecuting criminals. Walton said assistant county attorneys must give up private practice beginning Jan. 1…he exercised his supervisory authority in a fair, but decisive, way … graciously allowing an exception for assistants retiring in 2008. Walton was under no legal obligation to make the change.” QC Times Editorial September 17, 2007

Since becoming County Attorney in August of 2007 I have:

• Converted the office from part-time to full-time attorneys
• Made personnel changes including elimination of an attorney position
• Hired two new Assistant County Attorneys to fill vacancies
• Hired a new Office Administrator after the retirement of Joan Russell
• Reduced annual operating budget for the office by over $100,000
• Enhanced victim services including increased victim contact and counsel
• Increased resources applied towards juvenile court
• Increased inter-agency contact and cooperation
• Supervised the move of the office to new space at the courthouse

Moving forward I will:

• Maintain one of the most qualified and experienced staffs in the state.
• Hire qualified attorneys. The retirement of at least two attorneys and possibly more, presents the opportunity to add full time attorneys who want to make prosecution a career.
• Improve case processing. Hiring and promoting experienced, competent attorneys improves case evaluation and management. Every case presents a unique set of facts and challenges. Rigid, “one size fits all” mandates do not work well in the real world of criminal prosecution. Clear expectations and competent review of cases will insure an appropriate resolution to each criminal case.
• Work to reduce gun crimes. My office is working with local law enforcement to focus on violent crime, particularly those involving guns. We are putting extra resources into these cases to obtain convictions on the maximum sentence whenever possible.
• Update computer system. We are reviewing new software to increase the efficiency of office processes. Although the current system works, updated software will keep the office current with advances such as on-line filing of documents and increase the efficiency of office staff.