I am currently serving as Treasurer of the Tim McGinty campaign for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor – and as I sit down to write this month, I can think of nothing more important to write about.
Tim has been a close friend for more than 20 years – and I have complete faith that he is the best choice for Prosecutor. He’s a zealous champion of reforming our County’s criminal-justice system.
Given the nightmare corruption scandals that have eroded the public trust over the past several years, his refreshing candor, tireless commitment and deep integrity will be a welcome addition to the civic dialogue.
Tim served as a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge for 18 years – from 1993 until he resigned to run for Prosecutor. In that time, he disposed of 1000+ cases annually – ranging from murder to complex civil litigation.
While a Judge, Tim instituted reform through the creation of a Criminal Justice Reform program, through which attorneys were assigned to low-level offenders quickly so that these cases could be handled in a matter of days rather than months. This practice has already saved the County $20 million in prisoner board and care costs. 80% of criminal cases that come through theCommon Pleas Courtare low-level. By making it possible to handle these cases quickly, the Criminal Justice Reform Program also allowed police officers, detectives and prosecutors more time to focus on the serious crimes committed by habitual criminals.
As Prosecutor, Tim will continue to institute reforms and increase the efficiency of our justice system. He will:
1) Create a public corruption unit that will prosecute those who violate public trust and educate elected officials and government workers about ethical and illegal conduct.
2) Establish a state-of-the-art regional crime laboratory in conjunction with the County Coroner’s Office and a major independent medical provider to enable law enforcement to promptly obtain any evidence available utilizing cutting-edge technology. DNA programs will also be open to defense counsel to avoid injustices/errors and prevent innocent individuals like Michael Greene from being charged and wrongfully convicted.
3) Establish 24/7 Central Booking. The prosecutor’s office will be a 24/7 operation. We will analyze cases as they occur during the hours of crime, including nights and weekends. There will be no wasted time by police, detectives or witnesses. Defense attorneys will be assigned immediately to help weed out the innocent—not next month. Justice delayed is justice denied.
4) Reform the capital punishment process to achieve a balance between insuring public safety and saving wasted taxpayer dollars. Fewer capital indictments will allow focus and accountability for the most heinous killers.
5) Reduce gun violence by vigorous multiple efforts including strict prosecution and a Judge McGinty in action reverse of the growing culture of juvenile violence.
6) Create a “Prosecutor’s Academy” modeled after theOhioJudicialCollege and the National Judicial College curriculums to educate and train prosecutors and law enforcement officials across Cuyahoga County on law-related issues.
Please take the time to learn more about Tim McGinty by visiting www.mcgintyforprosecutor.com before you vote for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor either on March 6, 2012 or vote by mail by March 2, 2012.
