As a 30-plus-year resident of Durango and a retiree from the criminal justice system, I am writing on behalf of Christian Champagne, the person I believe to be the absolute best candidate for our next district attorney.

Champagne has an extraordinary sense of how to deal with offenders and criminals. I use the two different terms because I do not believe all offenders are criminals. Champagne knows the difference and strives to educate and rehabilitate those who return to our society, yet charges and prosecutes those who are dangerous and violent. As for victims, he has extraordinary feelings of empathy and works hard to include their desires into how he handles their violators.

I know this first-hand from a case in which the violator admitted guilt to several people and later retracted his statement. The victim could articulate what happened and the nature of the violation, yet would have had extreme difficulty doing so under pressure if the case went to trial. Most likely, the victim would not be able to explain the truth or express thoughts and emotions adequately, and evidence was slim. Champagne had the skill, compassion and knowledge to deal with both the victim and violator. He was able to guide the violator into doing what was right, meaning the offender decided to once again plead guilty. The violator and victim were satisfied with the plea agreement Champagne offered, and without Champagne’s skill and wisdom, the case could have gone to trial, ending with the defendant being found not guilty.

We, the community of La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties, need to unite and work toward making our community a safe environment. This has been Champagne’s goal the entire time he has been involved with the court system in the Sixth Judicial District. He is positive, upbeat, smart, empathetic, stern, and most of all, he loves our community.

Please vote for Christian Champagne for district attorney. I know he is the best candidate and will make us proud.

Susie Bonds

Durango