Name:

Gerald L. Hartley

Office sought:

271st District Attorney

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, explain.

I have never been arrested or charged with a crime. I have gotten a few traffic tickets in the past thirty-five years.

What is your philosophy on prosecution?

I am very old fashioned. I believe that if you commit a crime, you should be punished. To get to that end, you must be treated fairly. There are rules that have to be followed for each and every defendant. No exceptions. That is what the American system of justice is all about.

I will be a working prosecutor as well as manager. It's hard to understand what is going on if you are not actively involved with the case load. I will be in the courtroom as much as I can.

I do not believe that the DA's Office should be subject to political influence from anyone. Otherwise, the DA's office loses its ability to be impartial. The District Attorney yields a large and powerful sword that must be used wisely. Each case stands alone on its facts and without fear or favor to anyone involved. You need to look no further than Swisher or Dallas Counties to understand my point regarding prosecutorial misconduct.

There is absolutely no substitute for the field craft skills of a professional officer and his/her participation in the development of a case for prosecution. A prosecutor must know what an officer observed, heard, saw or learned - not what makes a good arrest report. This information either makes or breaks any case whether it is goes to trial or is disposed of by a plea bargain.

I recognize and respect that the Sheriffs of Jack and Wise Counties and the Chiefs of Police are in charge of law enforcement. I will assist those officials when requested and will not tell them how to do jobs. I would welcome their suggestions on how to improve the District Attorney's operations. Good and practical ideas don't always come from lawyers.

I like to use common sense. Let's take care of any problems or concern whenever they arise - the sooner the better. The District Attorneys Office is here to assist law enforcement and will provide 24 hour day access to law enforcement. A team effort.

The 271st is busy in both Jack & Wise counties and there are limited criminal trial settings. Those trial opportunities will be utilized in my administration.

What have your life experiences taught you to prepare you for the office of you seek?

I spent a good portion of my life in city management. My management and organization skills are very good. I have lead cities through very difficult and complex issues. I excel at accountability and financial management of the organizations that I have worked for. I like building consensus between diverse and competing groups. I have experienced everything from fighting police corruption to closing a municipal owned hospital to planning public works projects. I have been and will continue to be a good steward of the resources my employers have entrusted to me. I am not afraid of adversity and making decisions.

I have prosecuted before as the Assistant Wise County Attorney. Prosecuting cases is hard work that is often not appreciated by the public and sometimes law enforcement. I know that I can do what is right and what is required by the law even if that decision is not popular. I am not seeking this Office to win a popularity contest.

What do you believe is the biggest crime problem facing Wise County, and what will you do to alleviate that problem?

Drugs are the biggest crime problem that I see in Wise County. Drugs have been involved in a majority of my criminal cases for many years. Drugs are involved in everything.

The District Attorney's ability to alleviate drugs is limited. The District Attorney and his staff are not cops. Enforcement, priorities, and operational decisions are determined by our Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police. I encourage and support our local law enforcement as they continue to battle drugs. I will assure our local officers that their hard work will be put to good use in the courtroom or in plea bargains. I do not believe in give away plea bargains for drugs or any other offense.

As District Attorney, drug cases will be a priority. There is not better advisement for staying away from drugs than conviction and sentencing of a drug offender.

We hear a lot about change from the presidential campaigns. What kind of change would you like to see in Wise county and how can you help make that change a reality?

The District Attorney's Office is not your usual political office. The District Attorney's Office is defined and regulated by statute. It can only accomplish, what is expressly provided for by law.

Keep in mind that the sole purpose of the District Attorney is to serve the interest of justice through the prosecution of felonies. The District Attorney cannot maintain a private law practice. It has not civil authority. The District Attorney's Office can not have any dealings with those that it could prosecute. These very requirements demand that the District Attorney must avoid any appearance of impropriety.

I will strive to participate within the limits of the law to further the interests of this Office.