Dean Phillips endorses Martha [View all]

From an email

“(Martha's) journey from single mother on welfare, to prosecutor, to district court judge speaks to the tenacity and problem solving resolve our community demands"
-Rep. Dean Phillips

Also, an interesting letter in the strib

The looming election for Hennepin County attorney is critical given the recent dramatic increase in violent criminal activity. Voters must make an informed choice as to who can best protect them and their families.

The candidate who cannot is the former head of the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office, Mary Moriarty ("Moriarty brings hope, not fear, to prosecutor's role," Opinion Exchange. Oct. 19). Her tenure there shows that she's unsuited to be Hennepin County's chief prosecutor.

In her six years as chief public defender, Moriarty managed to alienate nearly everyone she worked with and was essentially fired from her "dream job." In fact, the state public defender's office was so driven to be rid of her that they paid $300,000 for her promise to never apply for a position with that office again!

The state Board of Public Defense investigated her for claims of inappropriate and offensive content on social media, for her fractured relationship with criminal justice leaders and for creating an environment of fear in her office. Moriarty denied these claims. Instead she falsely alleged that Chief Public Defender Bill Ward was sexist and a racist. In truth, it was Moriarty's inability to work with other stakeholders that was the root of the problem. The report that culminated from the investigation documented, among other things, concerns with Moriarty's treatment of people of color.

Moriarty clearly supports the movement to defund the Minneapolis Police Department. Does anyone really believe that that kind of "reform" will make citizens safer?

Judge Martha Holton Dimick will prioritize public safety. She has the experience, courage and qualities to lead the office out of the quagmire left from Mike Freeman's stewardship. Dimick is the choice if you want safe streets.

Mike Furnstahl, Spring Hill, Fla.

The writer is former assistant Hennepin County attorney.

https://www.startribune.com/readers-write-hennepin-and-dakota-county-attorney-races-second-and-eighth-district-races/600217226/