John’s Priorities

John's Top Priority Is To Seek Justice

Justice means getting to the right outcome the right way. It means considering all options -- from treatment to incarceration -- and determining which is most appropriate given the facts of the case and the needs of the community. Justice means treating crime victims with dignity and giving them a voice in the courtroom.

John is committed to community safety. John understands the danger some offenders pose to the community and believes that should factor into both the length of incarceration and available alternatives to incarceration.
Some offenders benefit from programs that promote treatment. Others commit acts for which jail or prison is the appropriate answer. John has the experience and judgment to understand the difference between the two and act in the interest of a safe community.
John is proud of the work the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office does to support victims of crimes ranging from theft to assaults, sexual violence, and homicide. The office currently has 32 staff and volunteer victim advocates serving the community.
John is committed to treating crime victims with dignity and giving them a voice in the courtroom. He knows how important it is to keep victims informed and involved at each step in the criminal justice process, and to connect them to services and organizations that can help them with a variety of needs.
Effective prosecution of criminal cases requires that the District Attorney’s Office works well with its law enforcement partners. John recognizes the importance of that partnership and ensures there is open communication and collaboration.
As District Attorney, John promotes shared training for law enforcement and prosecutors on updates in the law and investigative best practices to ensure the citizens of Clackamas County receive the best service possible.
District Attorneys are elected officials because it is important that they share the values of the community and are responsive to the public.
As your District Attorney, John ensures there is significant community engagement between the public and the District Attorney's Office. For example, the Clackamas County DA's Office has a Community Prosecutor who works with local school districts to address chronic absenteeism, and is part of a multi-disciplinary team that works to rid neighborhoods of nuisance properties. John has also deliberately increased the office's public presence to ensure the citizens of Clackamas County are informed about important criminal justice issues.
Specialty courts offer an opportunity for rehabilitation to non-violent offenders whose criminal behavior is a result of mental health issues or addiction.

John is committed to finding innovative, common sense and evidence driven ways to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. He believes specialty courts are one tool by which the criminal justice system can work collaboratively to stop recidivism and improve peoples’ lives.
As the District Attorney, John oversees an office that reviews more than 9,000 criminal cases per year and is staffed by more than 100 employees including attorneys, victim advocates, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff.
A large office requires clear expectations from leadership. John provides clear direction about the priorities of the office, allowing it to serve the community efficiently and effectively.