Open Letter

August 10, 2008

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a prosecuting attorney in Scott County. I have learned a lot through the years and the experience has been rewarding. The criminal justice system is constantly changing. The laws change, technology changes, societal expectations and priorities change. I have been doing this job for nearly twenty years. I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to participate in many major cases and decisions that have occurred in Scott County. I have summarized my experiences and initiatives on other pages in this web site. I am proud of the work done by the Scott County Attorneys Office. However, there is always room for change and improvement. Since becoming County Attorney it has been far from “business as usual.” Some of the changes have been difficult. Some I could have put off or avoided but I chose not to regardless of the political ramifications.

I am a prosecutor, not a politician. I will not make claims that are not true, or promises I can not keep. Over the years, I have prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases. I have assisted with civil litigation involving the county and advising county officials and law enforcement. I have supervised up to fourteen Assistant County Attorneys plus support staff. After eighteen years with the office I was appointed County Attorney by a unanimous, bipartisan vote of the Board of Supervisors. I then began the conversion of the office from part-time to full-time attorneys. I made personnel changes and significantly reduced the office budget. I still prosecute major felony crimes including murder and sexual abuse. I have always taken the duties of this office seriously.

I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 4 so that I can use my nearly twenty years of training and experience to deliver and improve the numerous services provided to the community by the County Attorneys Office.

Thank you.

Mike Walton
Scott County Attorney