Comments on: Maricopa County Attorney Race

By: Judy

Judy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:02:38 +0000

I’ve met both candidates and looked at their records. I like the diversity of experience, education, and administrative capability that Gerald Richard will bring to the county attorney’s office. He is outgoing, likable, and obviously enjoys meeting with and working with different community groups. This seems a good time for a strong community advocate in that position, and I know Tim Nelson will go on to good things, too, in other capacities.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:00:10 +0000

It’s a tough choice, because I’ve met both candidates personally, and they are equally impressive in their own ways. I’m partial to Gerald because he lives near me, he’s a terrific public speaker and oozes charisma, and he seems to be doing more grassroots outreach than Nelson. He also has far more experience dealing with gangs and drug trafficking, which are big problems in our state. I happen to think his work with the Phoenix PD is a boon, and I can’t understand why the first commenter sees it as a drawback.

That being said, I’m happy to vote for either in the General.

By: jesse1949

jesse1949 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:26:49 +0000

Jackson1951 appears to have been fed some faulty information. As a legal advisor over the past 18 1/2 years Gerald has appeared in court numerous times from the Justice Court to the federal district court. That’s because most of the witnesses in criminal cases are police officers. Gerald has been on the prosecution team in several high profile cases. For example, he played an instrumental role in the trial of the undocumented immigrants that killed Officer Marc Atkinson in 1999. Do you want someone to run the County Attorney’s Office who knows the job, what it takes to hire, train and manage attorneys and support staff, successfully handled multi-million dollar budgets, and provided legal advice from the federal level down to the officer on the street; or a civil attorney like Tim Nelson who has never prosecuted those who burglarize homes, sell drugs, commit aggravated assaults and armed robberies?

By: Pluto5469

Pluto5469 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:20:11 +0000

I am eager to support Tim Nelson for county attorney. His experience in both the practice of law and the administration of law enforcement will serve this county well.

By: Mari

Mari — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:05:13 +0000

Well, I see that Tim’s volunteer blog commenters were quickly directed here to give the usual talking points. Well done, Jackson (my, you are prolific), Fan (may I call you Fan?), Micki and arizona voter.

Now, perhaps we could hear from people who aren’t plants and have real questions for the candidates.

By: arizonavoter

arizonavoter — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:37:24 +0000

I am a strong supporter of Tim Nelson. Tim is an excellent lawyer and a family man. I look forward to his leadership as our County Attorney.

By: Micki

Micki — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:32:54 +0000

I absolutely agree that county attorney is one of the most important elections in the state! It’s so imperative that we unite as a community and stand up to the terrible injustices of Andrew Thomas. He has taken advantage of his position and of our citizens for much too long. I have met and spoken with both democratic candidates, listened to them field questions, and read both of their positions. While Mr. Richard is a solid candidate and a fantastic democrat, It is so exciting to see Tim Nelson in the race. He is a truly gifted attorney with a wonderful background and exactly what we need to beat Andrew Thomas in this election. He will be good for the party, good for the race, and GREAT for the position of county attorney. We deserve an honest, just, and fair county attorney…let’s get Tim Nelson elected, I’m certainly proud to support him!

By: A Great Fan of Tim Nelson

A Great Fan of Tim Nelson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:23:27 +0000

Tim is an exceptional person and attorney. I have had the privilege of working with him in an unpaid position. Because I have seen his incredible work ethic and committment to upholding the law, I have and will continue to support him in becoming our next County Attorney.

I have no doubt he will turn the County Attorney’s office around and that he will bring and attract similarly talented employees back to that office.

It’s shaping up to be a great election year for Democrats, and I look forward to a great race.

By: Jackson1951

Jackson1951 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:07:22 +0000

Gerald, while police administrative experience is honorable, I don’t think it’s accurate to call it experience as “an attorney in law enforcement”. How many times during that last 20 years were you in court as an attorney, not a witness? In fact, when was the last time you were in the courtroom in the role of attorney at all? 2 decades ago!?!? As you said, it’s vital to get Andrew Thomas out of office this time. But we need courtroom experience, managerial experience, and experience writing legal opinions in that office. And those are things Tim Nelson has in excess. He has more courtroom experience than everybody in this race combined, he’s managed hundreds of lawyers at one time, and he’s written numerous legal opinions. He has relevant law enforcement experience. That’s why I’m voting for Tim Nelson this fall!