- Pennsylvania Among 'Terrible 10' Most Regressive Tax States
- February 4 Non-Partisan Training: HOW TO RUN FOR ELECTION BOARD IN 2013: HOW TO RUN FOR COMMITTEEPERSON IN 2014
- Republican Governors Opt-In to Medicaid Expansion
- The Reports of Unions' Death Are Greatly Exaggerated
- Ask Allyson Schwartz to run for Governor
- Mind the gap: Opting Out of Medicaid Expansion Leaves Low-income Families Behind
- Jan. 14 Workshop:HOW TO RUN FOR ELECTION BOARD IN 2013; HOW TO RUN FOR COMMITTEEPERSON IN 2014
- Seth Williams on Guns, Jasmine Rivera on School Closures @PFC Meetup Wednesday
- PA Revenue Strong Midway Through Year; Tax Cut Could Have Big Impact
- What to Make of the Fiscal Cliff Deal?
Something new in the DA race
Submitted by jennifer on Fri, 05/01/2009 - 8:54am.
Yesterday at City Hall, Seth Williams unveiled a policy paper that really makes me proud to support him. You can read it here.
In it, he pledges to use the DA's office to protect consumers against fraud and predatory business practices. He'd use a underutilized tool, the state Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (or "CPL"), which gives the DA the power to levy fines and penalties and ultimately shut down abusive businesses. Potentially, the DA can wield the same regulatory power as the state Attorney General.
This is a big deal. People in neighborhoods all over Philadelphia are victimized by scams and frauds, and only particularly large or widespread problems get the attention of the US Attorney or the State Attorney general, who must deal with severe resource constraints. But the DA is right here, already in these neighborhoods, and the CPL will allow them to quickly respond to problems with relatively low administrative costs (it's a civil tool with a lower burden of proof than a standard criminal fraud prosecution).
The plan also will build important ties between the DA, the community, other branches of government, and nonprofit legal services. There's a legacy of conflict from Lynn Abraham's tenure, which this plan will help wash away.
And since one of the most intractable problems in dealing with crime in Philadelphia is the lack of trust between many communities and law enforcement, this plan can start helping bridge that mistrust. That's crucial.
Mostly I am proud of the vision this plan reflects: justice isn't just retribution, justice is a process. The first line of the plan states,
"There is a clear and compelling link between financial stresses individuals face and crimes that are committed. If the City of Philadelphia is going to reduce crime -- and not just increase arrests and convictions -- it must do more to address the victimization of its residents by abusive business practices that can lead to crime, but ultimately weaken our community."
This is progressive thinking. It's thinking that acknowledges root causes, and sets out to do something about them. It's a vision of the DA's power that is constructive and not merely reactive. And I think it shows a very important humility that has been lacking from the DA for years now: dealing with crime is a difficult process of trying to piece together neighborhoods that are broken. It's a little bit of what Obama invoked in that now-old speech:
For alongside our famous individualism, there's another ingredient in the American saga. A belief that we are connected as one people. If there's a child on the south side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandmother. If there's an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It's that fundamental belief — I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper — that makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. "E pluribus unum." Out of many, one.
And I'm glad there is some of that sensibility being brought into this election.
Protecting Consumers
Using civil courts, criminal courts and the bully pulpit as tools to address the victimization of residents by abusive and predatory businesses is just another way that I will proactively use the power of the District Attorney's office to prevent crime and to punish those that weaken the stability of our community.
To date I have released more policy papers than all of my opponents combined. Please visit my website http://www.votesethwilliams to learn more. Thank you.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead
Seth
Seth - you can start by punishing Environmental Crime
and political corruption that destroys lives. Both Evironmental Poisons and Political poisons that result in
victimization of residents by abusive and predatory businesses AND predatory politicians is just another way that I (Seth) will proactively use the power of the District Attorney's office to prevent crime and to punish those that weaken the stability of our community.
Yep, there is a weakening and distabiling of life on East Sydney Street. I gave you all the info. District Attorney's all over the country prosecute these kinds of crimes.
Now, they're talking Sheriff's sale ( MAYBE NOT A GOOD IDEA to PUT LIVE PEOPLE IN THERE ) and still refusing to take responsibilty for the public health harm caused, along with many other violations and abuses that have caused long term damage and needless suffering that could have been avoided if the city had done their job in the first place. It's not like I didn't tell you.
OMG I'm so happy Daily KOS is moving to Philly!!!!
Can it be true?
I just bought the book two days ago.
You have been given chance
You have been given chance after chance after chance. Every single post is not about you.
It's Called the Attorney General's Office
They already do this.
Just another fiscally implausible idea from a candidate living in Wonderland.
Yall just got Seth'd.
This is a familiar arc. I
This is a familiar arc. I am guessing we won't be seeing a lot of you after the election, eh?
Dan, don't you get it, were
Dan, don't you get it, were all beeing "fluffed."
I'll Be Around
'Deleted. First and last warning. -Dan'
Ha!
Tool. That's funny.
Defend from who, an anonymous poster? If you want a real debate, use your real name. Otherwise, what's the point in debating someone not constrained by the decency that one would see if someone signed their name to their argument.
Very truly yours,
Anonymous Poster.
Who is still waiting for you to address the issues.
Ps - Even if I did give you a name what difference would it make and, how would you even know I was telling the truth. Again, focusing on the wrong point here.
While we are at it, why don't you give me your last name?
Along with your address, birth date, hobbies/interests and credit card numbers.
Its the internet brah, there is no way I am releasing personal information anywhere.
Freedom of Speech?
Read the Constitution.
The Constitution is a
The Constitution is a document that, in part, limits the power of government vis-a-vis the rights and liberties of the individual.
It does not apply to YPP which is owned by Dan UA.
Right -
So that makes Dan UA an internet, speech controlling fascist - sweet.
The fact that I just got modded for criticizing a candidate is ridiculous.
No,
it was because you (again) resorted to totally uncivil namecalling. Not called for. If you want to talk about issues, talk about issues.
Yes,
If you read the thread closely, you will see that Mr. Gaeno began the name calling by making light of the "Fluff" in my handle name. Something to the effect that I am "fluffing" the people on this website.
Secondly, I did raise issues, issues that you would be able to see if my post wasn't deleted.
Geez, are all you people on the same weekend softball team or something.
So, just to be clear, I did not start this back-and-forth. I did attempt to discuss issues and, I apologize if at times my language is a bit too rough, I will work on my manners.
Thank you
please do. I am also not sure Gaetano meant that inflection of 'fluff'. Anyway, this is not the first time with the sexually-loaded name calling.
Just stick to issues, and maybe try to spend some time trying to substantiate rumors before repeating them.
Rumors?
What rumors are you reffering to Jenn?
I have read Seth's CFR.
I know that he has two CFC.
I know his record as IG was not so stellar.
I know that there are ongoing discrepancies regarding his campaign fund raising while he was IG.
All of this is fact and public knowledge.
IF
you want to talk about campaign finance reports, or fund raising 'discrepancies,' quote or link the actual details or line items from the reports. What you have said in the past and say above are not "fact and public knowledge," they are judgments and/or innuendos.
And, as you know, there has been substantive discussion on here as to Seth's record as IG, and how to interpret it in the context of the structure, funding, and history of that office.
No, that means Dan is not
No, that means Dan is not constrained by the Constitution.
Much like if someone walked into your house and starting screaming and hollaring about taxes, you would not be constrained by the notion of "free speech" in throwing them out.
Ok -
Fine, however, If a person came into my house screaming about something I did not agree with, I would not just bluntly kick them out. Hell, I'd let them rant and rave all they wanted to.
In the end I'd probably find it very entertaining. But that’s just me, I let people speak their minds.
fluffhead
Before I ban you for being a campaign's stooge, I will give you a chance.
Show me the two campaign finance committees that Seth has.
Just call me il duce
First, what was deleted contained nothing about a candidate.
Second, this is a community, with community standards. If you want to participate, you respect that. It is a great big internets out there, with plenty of tubes for everyone.
Read the part
where the Bill of Rights only applies to state action?
Jinx!
Jinx!
Campaign Finance Reports
In support of fluffhead, here is a list of stuff that Seth Williams spent donated campaign funds on...apparently the guy has really expensive taste in restaurants...and apparently his campaign staff can't figure out how to put quarters in a parking meter...
compare this to other people's campaign finance reports and see if you find similar expenditures...
and he has two campaign finance committees...
R Seth Williams -- his own personal committee
and
The Committee to Elect Seth Williams
here is the link where you can search for everything
https://www.phila-records.com/campaign-finance/eagleweb/docSearch.jsp
and, here are some of the expenditures that look weird in the context of a campaign...
From "The Committee To Elect Seth Williams"
9/11/2008 $93 -- Philadelphia Parking Authority
9/12/2008 -- $150 -- Terme di Aroma (a spa in Philadelphia)
$190 membership dues -- Vesper Club -- a drinking club!!!!
10/27/2008 -- $79.99 to Modell’s for Phillies gear for Photo’s.
Restaurant Charges (of course you are going to want to take campaign staff out, but look at where the charges are for...McCormick & Schmick's, Rembrants, Ruth's Chris Steak House...the guy's got excellent taste on his donors' dollars
9/12/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant $93.09
9/30/2008 - Devon $68.71
10/3/2008 - McCormick & Schmick’s $91.41
10/3/2008 Rembrants Restaurant $59.32
10/08/2008 McCormick & Schmick’s $58.13
10/20/2008 - Chris Jazz Café - $109
10/27/2008 - McCormick & Schmick’s $87.86
10/31/2008 (Saturday night??) - Devon - $60.93
11/7/2008 Ruths Chris Steak House $21.05
11/10/2008 Devon ($112.82)
11/20/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant $37.03
Car Rentals
Enterprise Rent-A-Car $274.24 11/06/2008 (Election day rental car) -- why was this $274 for a rental car. And if it was for more than one rental car why did they need that??
Hertz Rent-A-Car $95.91 9/30/2008 (what kind of car was he renting for $95??)
PHILLY CAR SHARE
10/10/2008 - Philly Car Share $29.14
10/12/2008 - $46.49 Philly Car Share
10/21/2008 -- $89.69 Philly Car Share
10/22/2008 -- $2.67 Philly Car Share
10/23/2008 -- $49.95 Philly Car Share
10/24/2008 -- $41.16 Philly Car Share
10/28/2008 -- $27.15 Philly Car Share
11/07/2008 -- $12.21 Philly Car Share
11/14/2008 -- $18.95 Philly Car Share
11/17/2008 -- $14.76 Philly Car Share
11/19/2008 -- $90.02 Philly Car Share
11/21/2008 -- $9.24 Philly Car Share
11/24/2008 -- $47.67 Philly Car Share
11/26/2008 -- $29.34 Philly Car Share
12/4/2008 -- $14.87 Philly Car Share
12/12/2008 -- $90.06 Philly Car Share
12/17/2008 -- $185.57 Philly Car Share
Flowers
9/12/2008 $22.44 Philadelphia Flower Mart
11/25/2008 $9.53 Pathmark in Abington PA
10/14/2008 $48.13 Philadelphia Flower Mart
11/28/2008 $23.51 Philadelphia Flower mart
Debt Repayments (from the 2005 election!!!!)
Appollos Baker - 2005 Debt Repayment -
$1000
Appolos Baker - 2005 Debt Repayment
$500
Appollos Baker
2005 Debt Repayment
$250
Buzz Communications (THIS COMPANY SUED HIM FOR REPAYMENT, YOU CAN CHECK THE RECORDS WITH PROTHONOTARY IN CITY HALL)
2005 Debt Repayment
$3,5000
12/29/2008
And filed under the campaign committee -- R. Seth Williams
DNC Convention Related Expenses
8/16/2008 -- Marriott Denver Downtown - $310.09
9/2/2008 -- Marriott Denver Downtown -- $1,600.37
6/23/2008 - Southwest Airlines (airfare to Denver) $464
Restaurant Charges
1/14/2008 - Twenty 21 - $70.22
1/14/2008 - Twenty 21 - $44.50
1/22/2008 - CHOPS Restaurant - $24 (Bala Cynwyd)
1/24/2008 - Twenty 21 - $56.15
2/11/2008 - Twenty 21 - $63.50
2/13/2008 - Twenty 21 - $64.57
2/14/2008 - Twenty 21 - $36.80
2/19/2008 - Twenty 21 - $36.80
2/19/2008 - The Palm -- $37.43
2/21/2008 - McCormick & Schmicks - $37.67
2/21/2008 - Twenty 21 - $42.31
2/25/2008 - McCormick & Schmicks - $38.67
3/15/2008 - Twenty 21 - $170.58
3/17/2008 - Twenty 21 - $61.60
3/31/2008 - Twenty 21 - $81.55
4/16/2008 - Twenty 21 - $52.94
4/18/2008 - Twenty 21 - $52.94
4/21/2008 - Blue Martini - $73.93
5/5/2008 - Twenty 21 - $80.48
5/28/2008 - Devon - $78.66
5/30/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $37.03
6/3/2008 - Twenty 21 - $72.99
6/10/2008 - Rembrandt’s Restaurant & Bar - $80.09
6/16/2008 - Bubble House - $65.53
6/25/2008 - Pearl - $148.59 (THIS IS A NIGHT CLUB/Restaurant)
7/2/2008 - The Capital Grille - $103.48
7/10/2008 - Devon - $87.38
7/17/2008 - Moshulu - $27.90
7/18/2008 - Vango - $37 (THIS IS A NIGHT CLUB/Restaurant)
7/21/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $18.52
7/21/2008 - Devon Restaurant - $115.61
7/29/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $54.55
7/30/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $40
7/31/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $40
8/4/2008 - Big Daddy’s BBQ - $59.01
8/4/2008 - Big Daddy’s BBQ - $17.65
8/5/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $37.03
8/5/2008 - McNally’s Tavern - $30.42
8/14/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $40
8/14/2008 - Devon - $85.05
8/18/2008 - Marathon Grill - $38.53
8/22/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant - $30
8/25/2008 - The Rittenhouse Hotel - $144.11
8/27/2008 - Jay’s Patio Café - $23.11
9/02/2008 - Delmonico’s Restaurant $37.03
10/20/2008 - Green Leaf Restaurant - $29.11
10/20/2008 - Mahogany - $99.40
11/5/2008 - Green Leaf Restaurant - $48.71
HOTEL OR RESTAURANT EXPENSES
5/27/2008 - Four Seasons Hotel - $128.07
7/17/2008 - Marriott - $43.15
MORE PARKING TICKETS
Philadelphia Parking Authority
10/3/2008 - $158.50 (how many tickets is this, or how late did they pay it?)
Car Rental
8/30/2008 - Dollar Rent-A-Car $321.38
9/9/2008 - Philly Car Share - $35.14
9/12/2008 - Philly Car Share - $30.04
9/19/2008 - Philly Car Share - $17.48
9/22/2008 - Philly Car Share - $47.52
10/01/2008 - Philly Car Share - $17.58
10/03/2008 - Philly Car Share - $15.59
10/07/2008 - Philly Car Share - $19.60
Flowers
8/5/2008 - Edible Arrangements - $55.64
6/25/2008 - Philadelphia Flower Mart - $106.94
The Tyranny of Philly Car Share!
First, you are from a campaign. You should disclose that.
Second, do you know how campaign finance works in Philadelphia? You file two forms, the committee, and the person himself. So, not only was there a report for the Committee to Elect Irv Ackelsberg, but there was also an "Irv Ackelsberg." So, please tell me you have something more than that, or you and Fluffernutter are going to have to find another place to dump your campaign's garbage.
Third, you then confuse yourself, by looking at expense reports that say Seth spent his own money on stuff, prior to being reimbursed to his campaign, and think you have a scandal? Is that somehow news?
Fourth, just yesterday, I was actually trying to look at the Dept of Records site which you link for us to check out. In fact, the ability for the public to search the site is down, and has been at least 24 hours. And yet, you seem to have this super duper, damning information at your fingertips? Interesting.
So, what campaign are you from again? In the last few days, would you like to make a real case for your candidate, or do you just want to recycle the same old crapola here?
Speak for Yourself
First, I do not work for a campaign.
I am a lowly citizen who became interested in this race when I signed Brian Grady's ballot petition (I live in Manayunk, near his neighboring Roxborough, he knocked on my door and asked me to sign, I did, wished him luck and decided to research this race more closely).
I came across this blog when I was "googling" the candidates names.
I have been present at a couple debates and was able to stream some others online.
Secondly, your just as much as a stooge as I am.
The reports are posted above. Those charges indicate that Seth has been living an upscale lifestyle paid for by campaign contributions.
And, the post that I did have up was about a candidate - it was challenging Seth's ethical use of campaign dollars.
But, god forbid anyone speak ill of your chosen one.
Moreover, still to this date, no one has responded to my questions regarding Seth's unrealistic implementation of CBP, his record as head of the repeat and juvenile units, or why Michael Turner is challenging his fund raising as IG.
Additionally, I do respect this community and, believe this is a place to freely assert my contentions. Forgive me, if at times, I do not possess the etiquette you all display but, then again, I am not friends with the people on this blog like everyone else.
Lastly, I really do not feel like I am being hostile here. I am just looking for honest answers, this is an insanely important election and all aspects of every candidate need to be criticized. Not every candidate is perfect, they all have their flaws. I just find it frustrating that none of you can acknowledge Seth’s. This ignorant bliss is not only dangerous but, potentially damaging.
Focus: Does Seth have two
Focus: Does Seth have two campaign committees, as you said.
little white lies
What I deleted said nothing about any candidate. I have the comment saved, buddy. You should drop that.
Im Not Your Buddy, Pal
Your right Jenn, I digress, however, at this point in time I have not found a candidate I am waving a flag for - still on the fence so to speak.
I guess we will just have to think differently on many of these issues.
I do believe however that criticizing one candidate is just as useful as supporting a candidate.
I believe one of the main reasons why I am still wavering is due to the fact that the media has done a horrific job at covering this race. The general public still, has no clue there is even an election coming up and, with 5-candidates running it is hard for them to actually dive in to what they want to do at these forums.
Seth's policy papers are nice at face value but, things are always easier said than done.
Trust me, if I had a candidate I was head-over-heels for I would let you know.
By the way, do most of you on this board volunteer for Seth?
It's my belief
that candidates' campaign spending is public and subject to review. Go ahead. The newspapers carefully scrutinized Seth's spending, and made their own decision that he was the best choice for DA. Voters all have to do the same thing.
We have discussed community-based prosecution, and others have disagreed with your analysis of how it would work and the arguable costs. We can discuss it more: make a post about it, not based on trashing one or another candidate!
I am not sure on what basis you want to evaluate Seth's record at the DA's office. We've also discussed his time as IG. I believe his record shows an immersion in criminal justice and government ethics, and a deeply thoughtful and progressive view of how the system is broken and what it should become.
As Dan's suggested, if you disagree, you're better off spending time explaining to whoever's reading the site why some other candidate deserves their attention.
Hey if you have something to add
then do so. But your complaint about $30 at some restaurant/nightclub or wondering why Seth spent $60 on a Saturday night doing campaign work or whether he could have gotten a better rent-a-car deal feels awfully petty. Not everyone's lock-step on campaigns, and if you look at Sean, Marc, Gaetano, and Stan's postings about Brett Mandell there's a big difference between real dialogue and pointed debate and the stuff you proffered above as "evidence." I think everyone here would prefer dialogue and debate and would respect reasoned differences.
just the facts...
I don't work for a campaign. But I do support one of the candidates, which I have previously disclosed on this board. And I don't control the Ethics Board web site, as oddly as that may sound to you -- but when it does allow access again, which I'm guessing is after May 8th, you can double check the information that I posted and I guarantee you it will all be there, and more. (and I never said it was wrong that he had two filings, just posted both those filings in response to the discussion on this board). And as I have previously said before, Seth is my least favorite candidate in this race. I just don't think he's the kind of person that the high-crime neighborhoods in this city are going to respond to, because I think he doesn't back his talk up with actions (the guy only prosecuted less than 40 cases during his tenure as an ADA, and he glosses over what he did in the OIG's office, saying that he was unable to overcome higher ups. Well I'm sorry, but is that what we can expect from Seth if he faces adversity if he gets elected DA). This city needs somebody who it believes is going to have their back, who's going to make them believe that they can step forward to testify and not put their life on the line. I don't think Seth Williams is that person. And I would recommend people on this board who think because they read a couple of policy papers they know what is going on in this city, that you should spend some time in areas of the city that are suffering and talk to some people and see what they want before you go spouting off about how effective Seth is going to be.
and Do you seriously think the newspapers do a good job of covering this race or looking into the candidates? There has only been one substantive article in either of the city's two largest daily newspapers about the DA's race, and that's been about how the city's charging unit functions. Not one of the reporters has taken the time to go out into the communities that most desperately needs the city's help and do an article about the systemic issues that will need to be addressed to make Philadelphia a safer place. It's sad, how pitiful the reporting has been on this race.
So tell us those systemic issues
rather than waste time counting pennies on a campaign sheet. It's more important to debate the issues than play gotcha.
systemic issues...
I think the two main issues are the city's charging unit (how they overcharge on petty crimes and don't leave enough room in prisons for serious offenders) and something much less concrete, which is the pervasive attitude in the poor neighborhoods around this city that nobody cares about them and nobody has their back when they step forward to testify in court cases. I think you address these two problems and you take care of 80 percent of what's wrong with the criminal justice system in Philly. People in poor neighborhoods ain't going to buy into any new DA who they don't believe in, and I think they would see right through Seth Williams. which happens to be reason why i count pennies on the campaign sheet. Because I think it speaks volumes about what he thinks is his "right" to do with donors campaign funds. You show that list of restaurants he went to on his donors dime to somebody living in Grays Ferry or Kensington (whether the total was $30 or $300) and they would laugh their ass off.
and, like I said before, I support Brian Grady for these two reasons because I think he addresses both of these two issues in the most substantive way. He's the only candidate who spent his entire career in the city's criminal justice system, which gives him the insight into what's broken and how it should be fixed. If you've been following the race, you would know he was the first one to start talking about putting seasoned DA's in the charging unit, a stance almost all of the other candidates have adopted into their platform. He was also the first to start talking about using drug forfeiture money to bolster the DA's shrinking budget, which others have adopted on the campaign trail (including the "visionary" Seth Williams). He was also described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as "the guy you'd want in a foxhole with you"...and that's the kind of guy that I think residents would respond to...
One note
for the record: I and others on this site are very concerned with the possibility of the future DA (whoever that is) relying heavily on drug forfeiture money, as there are serious reforms that have to be made in how that program operates. While there are certainly times that seizure may be appropriate or necessary, the goal should be to keep people owning their homes when possible, and to be very careful not to abusive the power to seize property.
I think you are right that the issues regarding to how and what crimes are charged is a crucial one. I think both Seth and Brian are on the right side of this, and his intention to reform the charging process is among the central reasons I support Seth.
Hey Blind Justice- Are you
Hey Blind Justice-
Are you sure you don't work for Brian Grady?
waste not want not...
it's not against any kind of law or anything what Seth WIlliams was spending money on, but yes, I do believe it was wasteful. I find it hard to believe that it was necessary to have a campaign meeting at Vango (a nightclub which is virtually empty until about 11 p.m.) and other similar expenditures. I would just think that somebody who was running for office would be more circumspect about what they choose to spend money on. It just suggests that he would not be as careful as he needs to be with the public's money. I watched the debate at the Constitution Center and when Dave Davies questioned him about his finances being a "mess" all Seth Williams had to say was "I am not running for Controller". That struck me as fairly arrogant, because the DA actually has a fair amount of fiscal responsibility, especially given the upcomign budget cuts that the DA's office is likely to face. And as I have said before on this board. Compare Seth Williams' expenditures to Dan McCaffery's or anybody elses in the campaign and Seth Williams' expenditures kind of stick out. I mean flowers? a thank you gift from a day spa. Philly's gear for a photo shoot?
OK you made your point
Now what else do you have?
see above...
I responded to your systemic issues question as a reply to your previous post...
We have all followed this issue in detail
1. Seth Williams brought more relevancy to the office of Inspector General than the office has seen in years, and for my money, since. Thats a strength, not a weakness if you actually paid attention.
2. In terms of costs of Community Based Prosecution the only reason folks can take pot shots is because he has more extensive policy in place and all the johnny-come-lately's are basically cruising on vagueness. The process frankly costs a little more administratively, no matter who implements it, but saves on allowing the DA to be smarter on who it chooses to prosecute and who it chooses to redirect to cheaper alternative sentencing solutions. The DA's office face dire cuts regardless of who gets elected and a huge, huge piece of the cost of our criminal justice is from holding too many indigent small time offendors while they wait for trial. ultimately the most cost effective D.A. is the D.A. who has the most specific and flushed out plan to implement Community Based Prosecution. That, for me, would be Seth Williams.
3. Seth's campaign finances have been investigated ad nauseum and frankly there is no "there" there. Its continual evocation, frankly, is starting to sound a lot like a certain form of racial stereotyping however.
4. Turner's suit against Williams begs the question of why he is even in the race. A candidate who refuses contributions or endorsements from any PAC is essentially refusing the endorsement of any group willing to legally advertise their endorsement by state law. Far from showing ethics, essentially its saying, "I refuse to be endorsed by anyone who can actually get me elected" It begs the question of why he's even running therefore - except possibly to cut a last minute deal for an appointment from another candidate who benefits indirectly from him being in the race. Frankly its so deeply out of touch with how real-world elections work, it makes me highly suspicious of the guy's motivations to even run at all. The fact that he allegedly already entered into and then aborted such negotiations just underlines this predicament.
-Sean
MrLuigi, my cat, actually only types half as badly as I do.