It’s time for those trying to convince Paul Breen to run for
district attorney to redouble their efforts.
It’s time for those trying to convince Paul Breen to run for district attorney to redouble their efforts.
Here is a local civil attorney with a respected name in San Benito County that we would like to see enter the race for district attorney – whether it be the possible recall against District Attorney John Sarsfield, or during the regular election in 2006.
Our community desperately needs a broad field of candidates to make sure the potential recall or the 2006 race presents voters a wide range of choices.
So far, only defense attorney Arthur Cantu has officially said he will toss his hat in the ring if the recall goes forward. That’s disappointing because, as effective as Cantu has been in recent court cases, he is indelibly linked to the bruising 2002 race for district attorney.
As many are quick to point out, Sarsfield beat Cantu in a landslide. Both men have been bickering ever since, which tarnishes both of their reputations. In addition, Cantu is as connected to the infantile rock throwing going on in this county as Sarsfield.
The bottom line is, if Cantu is the only other candidate in the race, Sarsfield, despite all his troubles, will win because of Cantu’s reputation as a go-for-the-throat criminal defense attorney and his loss last time around. That should not be an acceptable outcome for anyone in San Benito County.
For local residents to regain their faith in the district attorney’s office, the position must be held by someone who is free of the political ties and personal vendettas that hold Sarsfield down.
So, in the interest of achieving a broad field for a district attorney’s race we encourage Breen to actively seek the office and elevate the discourse in our justice system. Equally, we appeal to any civic-minded local lawyer to consider running. And, finally, we encourage members of the legal community to search out candidates to run for this powerful and important office.
Only with a full field of qualified candidates, will San Benito County get a district attorney who has the character, vision and strength to lead this important and powerful office.
