Following the general election in November, the Sixth Judicial District – Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties – will have a new district attorney. The two candidates running for that position are both Democrats who will face off in the upcoming Democratic primary on June 28. The winner of that primary will become the next district attorney.
Both candidates are committed to public service and have experience as prosecutors, however, the breadth and diversity of Ben Lammons’ experience makes him better suited for the position. For more than 25 years, Lammons has been an effective prosecutor. During that career, he has handled hundreds of cases, including trials for murder, rape, child abuse, domestic violence, drug distribution and DUI.
Although Lammons has served effectively as a local deputy district attorney, he has also been a special assistant U.S. attorney and the Southern Ute tribal prosecutor. Our district includes a diverse array of lands and people, and an effective district attorney must have a thorough understanding of the jurisdictional complexity of state, federal and tribal laws in order to best serve the public interests. Lammons has that understanding.
Like his opponent, Lammons appreciates the merits of restorative justice, and he has played a key role in the rehabilitation of offenders without incarceration when the circumstances support that alternative.
Our next district attorney should continue to lead the effort to eliminate unnecessary incarceration, but our neck of the woods is not the sleepy little world it once was. A review of recent headlines shows vividly that major crimes are committed in our communities. We need to know that the DA’s office will be able to obtain justice for victims and protect the public from serious criminals. Please join me in voting for Ben Lammons for district attorney.
Tom Shipps
Durango
