After recently announcing his intention to run for 6th Judicial District Attorney of Colorado, Assistant District Attorney Christian Champagne said he believes he can guide the office in a “smarter, more effective” direction.

“I am running, because I love this community,” Champagne told The Durango Herald. “I have a vision for the future of the district attorney’s office, and I have the experience and know-how to get the job done to make sure that we all have a safe place to live, grow and thrive.”

Champagne said when he first became the district’s No. 2 prosecutor in 2009, the justice system was overly used as a “hammer” coming down too harshly on residents who didn’t necessarily belong in jail. He said resources should instead be directed to programs that can replace incarceration when appropriate.

Sexual assault has also long been an interest for Champagne, who described such cases to be the “most dangerous, damaging crime, right up there with murder.” As district attorney, he said he would continue to crack down on the issue, in part by making efforts to educate the community and raise awareness.

“We need to continue modernizing our work, including moving toward a digital paperless office,” Champagne said. “We also need to do more to support our team so that we can provide effective justice for our community, including assessing our current resources and adding necessary resources to our office for the future.”

The 6th district includes La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties.

No one else has officially declared candidacy thus far, but Champagne said he would welcome a challenger in the race. If his campaign is successful, Champagne will succeed District Attorney Todd Risberg, whose eight-year tenure is coming to an end.

jpace@durangoherald.com