On June 6, San Benito County voters will choose among three
candidates for district attorney. It is a race we all should care
deeply about. Within the criminal justice system in California,
district attorneys have greater discretionary powers than any other
officers of the court. Judges are bound to determinate sentencing
laws. District attorneys review cases submitted to them and
determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to merit
prosecution
– a heavy burden.
On June 6, San Benito County voters will choose among three candidates for district attorney. It is a race we all should care deeply about. Within the criminal justice system in California, district attorneys have greater discretionary powers than any other officers of the court. Judges are bound to determinate sentencing laws. District attorneys review cases submitted to them and determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to merit prosecution – a heavy burden.
Three very different candidates are seeking the office. The incumbent, John Sarsfield, projects the image of fierce intelligence and determination. Deputy District Attorney Candice Hooper is more easy-going, with a quick smile a self-effacing manner. Art Cantu is a story-teller who clearly loves the law.
But the substance of the job is what separates the three. Sarsfield’s administration has been mired in controversy, much of it stemming from his role in the string of civil and criminal suits swirling around the anonymous Los Valientes lawsuit. But the controversy has spread past that into the Board of Supervisors chambers and other law enforcement agencies. When asked about mending relations for a productive second term, Sarsfield is adamant: resolution will only come with the outing of Los Valientes and a legal victory.
Cantu has built a career around criminal defense. He makes a compelling argument that a courtroom is a courtroom, and he can switch to the prosecutor’s table with ease. His energy and his commitment to youth and the indigent are beyond reproach.
But Hooper is a career prosecutor with 22 years’ experience. As No. 2 in the office, she’s handling the majority of some 2,500 cases the office takes on each year. She’s familiar with the structure of the office and the administrative challenges that go with its tight budget.
Hooper also has a clear view of the mission of the district attorney’s office – prosecuting crime. While she would seek resolution of the convoluted Los Valientes affair, she would pass the civil portion of the case to the office where it belongs, that of the county counsel. Further, she acknowledges that she will have to restore damaged relationships with those in other county agencies.
She has a comprehensive plan for reducing juvenile crime and returning young people to more productive paths. After graduating from Santa Clara University Law School, Hooper began work as a prosecutor in Santa Clara County. After moving to San Benito County to raise a family, she successfully transitioned through two administrations over next 20 years.
She has shown a deep commitment to the community and its youth through her work as a North County School District trustee, FFA booster, member of the Juvenile Justice Commission and her work with juvenile offenders.
The verdict from The Pinnacle editorial board is in: a four-year term for Candice Mancino.
