Election 2006 - Monroe County Prosecutor

In a local race that holds far-reaching implications in the realm of responsible execution of justice, Republican incumbent Carl Salzmann is running for a record fourth term as Monroe County prosecutor against Democratic challenger Chris Gaal. While at first glance both men seem qualified, upon further examination, one clearly stands out.\nSalzmann, experienced as he may be, has compiled an abysmal record during his tenure. For example, in 2003 less than 1.4 percent of felony cases were decided through a bench or jury trial, and 27 percent were dismissed. A record 75 percent of misdemeanor cases were dismissed, and less than 1 percent were taken to trial. In short, Salzmann has spent the past 12 years sitting back and collecting pre-trial diversions instead of serving the public in the pursuit of justice.\nHowever, there is hope for this county. \nChris Gaal is an experienced attorney with fresh ideas for Monroe County. Having graduated from the IU-Bloomington School of Law and served on the Bloomington City Council for the past seven years, he has deep roots in this community and understands the problems facing it.\nIn an interview, Gaal said he wants to form partnerships with community groups such as Middleway House and New Leaf/New Life to improve services available to both domestic abuse victims and offenders. He hopes such a partnership would facilitate the integration of offenders back into the community and reduce the frequency of habitual offenders.\nFurthermore, Gaal said he intends to rebuild tattered relations with local law enforcement. He claimed the support of many law enforcement personnel and went on to state that he would work to restore the disturbing lack of communication between police officers and the prosecutor's team.\nThe bottom line is that in a race between a lazy prosecutor who has overstayed his welcome and a young, vivacious attorney with fresh ideas to make the Prosecutor's Office work better for the community, the choice for prosecutor is clear. \nWe enthusiastically endorse Chris Gaal for Monroe County Prosecutor in hopes that the attorney will reinvigorate Monroe County's pursuit of justice.