The question of temperament is paramount in this year’s elections. The League of Woman Voters District Attorney Debate offered a look at each of our local candidates’ temperament. The contrast could not have been more stark.

Christian Champagne answered each question with thoughtful, direct answers, describing his vision of the DA’s office as “servant leadership,” while Ben Lammons chose to attack the experience of all the lawyers in the DA’s office. Champagne spoke of his experience as both a prosecutor and a public defender. His victim-based approach made me feel that he would listen to me if I were ever a victim of crime.

Lammons politicized grisly murders and rapes, discussing details with no regard for the individuals involved in those cases. He is so concerned about the sentences of criminals, it’s clear he wants to be both the judge and the DA.

When asked about community involvement, Lammons spoke of his children’s activities and re-writing code for the Tribal Court. Champagne discussed his work with the Homeless Coalition; alerting businesses about elder abuse; visiting schools to talk to students about the justice system; and his creation of “mental health court” – which seeks to help those in our community who struggle with mental health issues.

God forbid any of us should need the help of the DA, but if I did, I would want Champagne in my corner and not someone who looks at convictions as simply notches in his belt.

Candace Richerson Durango