Johansson: Better choice for D.A.

By B. & D. Lindeman

As if 12 years of Reisig in the D.A.'s office isn't enough of a reason for a change in leadership. (hasn't anyone ever heard of the good idea of term limits?) But it's his latest campaign flyer that I received in the mail (4th one!) that compels me to write. Instead of promoting the supposed merits of the Reisig reign, it is mostly devoted to maligning the character of the man running against him: Dean Johansson! I'd say that kind of below-the-belt tactic maligns Reisig's character. It reminds me of the tactics of someone we all know who lives in the current White House.

Thus, if I had an overly simple rhyming campaign slogan, it might be, "Reisig is mean, so vote for Dean"! (maybe "overly aggressive" would be kinder but it doesn't rhyme). Fact: (not fake news, folks): Jeff Reisig, our Yolo County DA, brings more cases to jury trial per capita than any other DA in the state! That means that Reisig's office conducts more felony trials than counties that have a much higher population than ours. Yolo cannot be that much more crime ridden! This fact alone is a co$tly (for taxpayers) and valid reason for a change in D.A. leadership.

I am aware of a case a few years ago that Reisig decided to prosecute when even the "victim" didn't want it prosecuted! Yet the D.A. never made contact, nor talked with the "victim" at all about the situation. He just made a stereotypical assumption about the type of case and charged (no pun intended) ahead. Another "felony" win under Reisig's belt. That is an unacceptable way of interpreting justice.

Has Reisig's "Law and Order" program over 12 years been all bad despite his style of declaring "everything's a felony"? Of course not. Whatever is good and working will be continued. It is a shame that Reisig supporters actually seem afraid that Dean Johansson would bring more restraint and compassion to the administration of justice for NONviolent crimes. Dean's position emphasizes implementing already proven crime PREVENTION strategies as well as rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism. He encourages more community oversight for the DA's office and police department.

The Yolo County Democratic party and Don Saylor among others have given Dean Johansson their endorsement Lastly, I find the Davis police endorsement of Reisig and huge campaign contribution ($16,000+) to be very telling. After reading the Internal Auditor's review recently re: the Davis Picnic Day 5 case, our police, too, need to reflect more on proper handling of alleged crimes as well as their relationship with the D.A.'s office (which is where the latter gets its cases).