March 10, 2010
Endorsements
"I have known Alex for almost twenty years. I know him to be a talented trial lawyer, formidable opponent, devoted family man, skilled administrator, and natural leader. I value Alex as a friend and have a great deal of respect for his abilities."
— Greg Hazarabedian,
Criminal Defense Lawyer
"I have always found Alex Gardner to be a top-notch guy. He is what an ideal prosecutor should be: Honest, consistent, and yet able to keep perspective and not let a case get "personal" to the point it precludes resolution of a matter. I think Alex has the force of personality to lead the office, and will do well."
— Russell Barnett III,
Defense Attorney
"Alex is the right person to keep Junction City and all of Lane County safe! His impeccable record, ethical standards and willingness to take on the toughest issues make him the best candidate."
— Laddie “Ken” Hancock,
Police Management
 

News Center

6/11/07

Campaign kick-off message

Today I announce my candidacy for the office of Lane County District Attorney.

It’s been almost seventeen years since I tried and won my first jury trial, a trial in which a man was convicted of brutally beating a smaller man without cause. From that moment forward I have been committed to representing victims and the people of Oregon.

Through many years of serving in law enforcement as a prosecutor I have worked on all sorts of cases, from fraud and theft to kidnapping and murder. I have worked alone and in large groups, and I have learned to appreciate the multiplying power of a cohesive team that respects its leader, and a leader who respects his team members.

I am seeking this position with the urging and encouragement of dozens of my team members from our office, police agencies, the courts, supervision services, defense attorneys and other district attorney offices. They know I can do the job well, and I’m not willing to let them, my family, or the rest of our community down. I look forward to continuing to serve the public as the county’s chief legal officer.

By the time of the election next year, it will have been 24 years since someone other than Doug Harcleroad was elected to serve as our district attorney. I want to take this moment to acknowledge Doug’s exceptional service, dedication and commitment. He’s done an extraordinary job for which this community is profoundly grateful. He’ll be leaving behind some big shoes to fill.

Since Doug Harcleroad was elected in 1984, the county has faced severe obstacles to running an effective public safety system. A growing population, revenue losses from restrictions on logging federal lands, diminishing county timber payments in lieu of logging revenues, and uncertain and declining grant funding have all conspired to create real challenges to effectively enforcing the laws and keeping the public safe.

Now more than ever we need a district attorney with the right skills, experience, professional background and community support to preserve public safety. The job is tough enough in times of plenty. It’s tougher yet in times of scarcity, but that’s no excuse for not doing our utmost to investigate crimes, assist victims of crime, prosecute criminals and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards as we take care of business.

I am a career crime fighter, not a politician, so I’m not totally comfortable in the role of political candidate. I DO know what it takes to be an effective district attorney, and I have that combination of aptitude, experience, support and desire to do the job well. I also have the confidence of my colleagues in law enforcement around our region, as evidenced by their support, so I will be effective from the moment I take office. This is no time for on-the-job training: With your help, I’ll hit the ground running.

As your district attorney, I will continue to support crime prevention, aggressively investigate and prosecute crime, assist crime victims, and enforce Oregon law fairly and consistently.

A good prosecutor has the judgment, confidence, character and independence to allow a second chance when good people make bad choices, and the strength, skill and determination to drop the hammer on dangerous or persistent offenders who prey on our community and threaten our safety.

During these challenging times of increasing costs and static or diminishing financial resources it is especially important to redouble our efforts to find new efficiencies and focus our limited resources on our most dangerous and predatory criminals. We continue to make progress in both areas. The money-saving policies I instituted when I was the District Attorney in 2004 have been honed through collaboration between our office, the judges and local defense attorneys. The result is a new system that is saving paperwork and thousands of dollars per month in officer and staff time. I’m committed to continuing to work towards similarly creative, collaborative solutions in the future. It’s the right thing to do.

My record shows I know how to balance the rights of victims and the accused. I have earned the trust of those who know me and I am committed to earning the public trust. I pledge to you now that as your district attorney I will work to re-earn that trust every day.

I am honored to announce that all six elected district attorneys in the counties surrounding Lane have endorsed me, as have Sheriff Russ Burger and District Attorney Harcleroad. I thank them for their confidence and their support.

I also wish to thank my wife and sons for their continuing love and support. They join me today for the kick-off of my campaign. I would not have made it to the starting gate without them.

For more information about our campaign and me I invite you to visit my Web site at gardnerforda.com.

Thank you.