This year, for reasons we all know, the normal interaction between local political candidates and the public was interrupted. Early in my campaign to be your next Merrimack County attorney I was able to meet with some small groups in the county. Now, as we near Election Day, I want to take a moment to talk to those residents of Merrimack County who I’ve missed meeting over the past months.
I am running to be your Merrimack County attorney to restore trust in the leadership within the office of the Merrimack County attorney. I want the people of Merrimack County to be able to count on their county attorney to lead a team of dedicated professionals.
The Merrimack County attorney, as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, sets the priorities and policies for prosecution of serious criminal offenses committed within the county. As your county attorney I would have three main goals that together form the foundation for professional prosecution.
First, retain and hire only the best people I can find. Second, ensure that we listen to the victims of crime. Really listen. Victims must not be marginalized. Third, we must listen to the input of our law enforcement professionals. Nobody knows the pulse of a community better than those who interact within that community day-in and day-out.
In following the news since the last election, you have likely read about the many difficulties facing the current county attorney. There has been an exodus of attorneys and staff, allegations of a hostile work environment, the dismantling of a team that centered their efforts on prosecuting sex offenders, alleged victim blaming, and the hiring of an outside investigator to examine the current leadership.
All these have been reported by the media. I urge you to go online and research this yourself. Read the many Concord Monitor articles as well as the pending lawsuit against the current county attorney. By any objective measure, no matter your political affiliation, these reports indicate leadership shortfalls that must be corrected. I have the experience and background necessary to lead the office of the Merrimack County attorney.
My wife and I made Merrimack County our home after I retired from an Air Force career that covered over 21 years. Since moving to Merrimack County in 1997, I attended law school right here in Concord and have practiced only criminal law for 20 years. I am a career prosecutor with over 17 years experience in Merrimack County prosecuting for the City of Concord.
My education and teaching experiences are directly related to the practice of law, leadership of staff and the budgeting process. In addition to earning my Juris Doctor, my formal education includes a graduate degree in Forensic Science from George Washington University and a graduate degree in public administration from Golden Gate University.
I have taught financial management and personnel management at the undergraduate level as well as criminal justice at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I conducted forensic science research at the U.S. Secret Service Forensic Laboratory in Washington, D.C., attended forensic science training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and authored original research in the forensic sciences.
Through my court experience I know the challenges that face a prosecutor. I’ve appeared in superior courts in at least three counties and in at least eight circuit courts in four counties. I’ve also participated in scores of administrative hearings. My trials have included felonies and misdemeanors and I’ve initiated various appeals to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
My experience in municipal and federal budgeting and resource management allows me to analyze budgetary and personnel requirements as well as set priorities. Twice elected to the Concord City Council, I was involved in policy coordination, budgeting, and staffing for the third largest city in the state. During my over 21 years in the Air Force I commanded an administration unit responsible for 180 people, frequently directed the flight operations of 19 aircraft and was involved in management of a multimillion-dollar budget.
So far, I have received the endorsement of the Concord Police Supervisors Association, the New Hampshire Troopers Association, the Bow Police Association, several chiefs of police, a retired circuit court judge, and Gov. Sununu. Visit my web site at www.attorneyhalvorsen.com for more information.
I look forward to putting my four decades of public service experience to work for you. I hope to earn your trust and your vote. Together we can keep Merrimack County safe.
(Paul Halvorsen of Concord is a candidate for Merrimack County attorney.)