On the Issues
Fiscal Responsibility
As a business owner who has navigated some of the most financially difficult years in recent
history, I know the importance of making tough decisions. As Public Defender, I promise to be a
good steward of a budget approaching 25 million dollars while ensuring appropriate allocation of
finite resources.
Public Safety
Part of protecting the community starts with addressing the issues that lead people to break the law. Early intervention in the lives of our children limits the possibility of them entering the criminal justice system and helps safeguard their well-being. As Public Defender, I will expand youth outreach programs to include education, recreation, and mentoring. A child’s environment should not predetermine a prison sentence.
It is widely recognized that poverty, addiction, mental illness, and homelessness contribute to crime in our community. We all share the responsibility to see the whole person. As Public Defender, I will partner with social service agencies to help address these root causes of crime.
When we fail to address the root causes, we are faced with the responsibility to ensure that people who have paid their debt are provided a meaningful opportunity to reenter society in a safe and productive way.
Bail reform is a public safety issue. After an arrest, a person’s opportunity to leave jail and return home to fight the charges depends on their financial ability to post bail. When our county jails are full of people who commit minor, non-violent offenses, no room is left for those accused of serious, violent crimes. As Public Defender, I will work with the Courts, the State and law enforcement to make sensible changes to the bail system and decriminalize poverty.
It is widely recognized that poverty, addiction, mental illness, and homelessness contribute to crime in our community. We all share the responsibility to see the whole person. As Public Defender, I will partner with social service agencies to help address these root causes of crime.
When we fail to address the root causes, we are faced with the responsibility to ensure that people who have paid their debt are provided a meaningful opportunity to reenter society in a safe and productive way.
Bail reform is a public safety issue. After an arrest, a person’s opportunity to leave jail and return home to fight the charges depends on their financial ability to post bail. When our county jails are full of people who commit minor, non-violent offenses, no room is left for those accused of serious, violent crimes. As Public Defender, I will work with the Courts, the State and law enforcement to make sensible changes to the bail system and decriminalize poverty.
Practical Idealism
The Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office is made up of roughly 120 lawyers along with
support staff, investigators and others who work tirelessly in the pursuit of justice and in defense
of the Constitution. While it is imperative that our leaders safeguard the administration of both
human and financial resources, it is equally important that the Public Defender create an
environment in which the lawyers in the trenches feel respected, valued, and trusted. I will
prioritize the well-being of all our team members who come to work every day dedicated to our
clients and each other. We win together. We lose together. I am my brother’s keeper.
Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal Responsibility
As a business owner who has navigated some of the most financially difficult years in recent
history, I know the importance of making tough decisions. As Public Defender, I promise to be a
good steward of a budget approaching 25 million dollars while ensuring appropriate allocation of
finite resources.
Public Safety
Public Safety
Part of protecting the community starts with addressing the issues that lead people to break the law. Early intervention in the lives of our children limits the possibility of them entering the criminal justice system and helps safeguard their well-being. As Public Defender, I will expand youth outreach programs to include education, recreation, and mentoring. A child’s environment should not predetermine a prison sentence.
It is widely recognized that poverty, addiction, mental illness, and homelessness contribute to crime in our community. We all share the responsibility to see the whole person. As Public Defender, I will partner with social service agencies to help address these root causes of crime.
When we fail to address the root causes, we are faced with the responsibility to ensure that people who have paid their debt are provided a meaningful opportunity to reenter society in a safe and productive way.
Bail reform is a public safety issue. After an arrest, a person’s opportunity to leave jail and return home to fight the charges depends on their financial ability to post bail. When our county jails are full of people who commit minor, non-violent offenses, no room is left for those accused of serious, violent crimes. As Public Defender, I will work with the Courts, the State and law enforcement to make sensible changes to the bail system and decriminalize poverty.
It is widely recognized that poverty, addiction, mental illness, and homelessness contribute to crime in our community. We all share the responsibility to see the whole person. As Public Defender, I will partner with social service agencies to help address these root causes of crime.
When we fail to address the root causes, we are faced with the responsibility to ensure that people who have paid their debt are provided a meaningful opportunity to reenter society in a safe and productive way.
Bail reform is a public safety issue. After an arrest, a person’s opportunity to leave jail and return home to fight the charges depends on their financial ability to post bail. When our county jails are full of people who commit minor, non-violent offenses, no room is left for those accused of serious, violent crimes. As Public Defender, I will work with the Courts, the State and law enforcement to make sensible changes to the bail system and decriminalize poverty.
Practical Idealism
Practical Idealism
The Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office is made up of roughly 120 lawyers along with
support staff, investigators and others who work tirelessly in the pursuit of justice and in defense
of the Constitution. While it is imperative that our leaders safeguard the administration of both
human and financial resources, it is equally important that the Public Defender create an
environment in which the lawyers in the trenches feel respected, valued, and trusted. I will
prioritize the well-being of all our team members who come to work every day dedicated to our
clients and each other. We win together. We lose together. I am my brother’s keeper.
