When the Clark County District Court asks potential Prosecuting Attorney Candidates to a forum or debate the answer should be a resounding, YES! Apparently not for everyone. Tony Golik's opponent refuses to attend a forum sponsored by the Clark County District Court.
Why would Tony's opponent view the Clark County District Court as an unfriendly atmosphere? One reason is clear....
The PA's office has not reduced felony case filings, as Tony's opponent accuses. These filings are down throughout the state because of changes in state law. For example, some cases that were once felonies because of monetary damages are now misdemeanors. For some, the change makes sense. While no one wants a thief to go free, taking a bicycle may not be justly charged as a felony. Tony Golik's opponent does not want to be questioned about his statements regarding these statistics. Tony Golik would most certainly point out that his opponent has misrepresented statistics to slander the PA's office.
In fact, doing research on case filings has brought to light some great news for the PA's office. More cases that are referred as felonies by law enforcement are now charged as felonies by the PA's office. In fact, there is more consistency between officer charging and felony filings than ever before! Maintaining excellent communication between law enforcement and the Prosecutor's office saves time, money, and ensures a safer community!
Tony Golik's opponent has refused to attend several forums and debates scheduled for the last few weeks of the election cycle. Our criminal justice system and the office of Prosecuting Attorney is based on healthy public discourse. It is imperitive that the elected Prosecutor be able to address an adversarial situation in public.
"I believe candidates have a duty to attend candidate forums. My opponent is doing a disservice to Clark County by intentionally avoiding meeting me in public debate." - Tony Golik