Chances are, if you have read headlines about crimes like sexual assault, theft, DUI or attempted murder, you have read coverage of cases typically prosecuted by the County Attorney’s Office. So, what does the county attorney do? Why is the role important? And why should you care?
Let’s start with the last question and work our way back. You should care because each of the 10 county attorneys in New Hampshire is elected, which means you determine who will serve in that role, lead the office, work with law enforcement, support victims and build community trust. And as with many other elected offices, you will be able to make your voice heard in the state primary on Sept. 8 and again in the General Election on Nov. 3.
Although a position well down the ballot, the county attorney has an immense impact on the county in which we live. The county attorney is the chief prosecutor, and they manage a team that typically includes attorneys, investigators, victim/witness advocates and support staff that take deep dives into cases like those found in the headlines, cases that should result in keeping violent criminals, repeat offenders and drug dealers capitalizing on addiction off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.
In addition to leading the team, the County Attorney sets the tone for the office, ensures criminals are held accountable, and partners with law enforcement officials, community stakeholders and policymakers to safeguard the public and prepare the county for the future.
Although it is a partisan, elected position the role must serve all residents. And the campaign process itself, if done right, can be enormously valuable — assuring an otherwise lesser known position has a direct line to the voice and concerns of the people.
Conversations with voters have reinforced my belief that our community is looking for a leader that they trust — a leader who is firm, fair and follows the facts in each case. That requires someone who is both an experienced prosecutor and a leader that has demonstrated building partnerships and managing large teams here in the Granite State.
There is a wealth of knowledge and experience at the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office already — foundational to helping the team continue to learn, grow and become even more dynamic. The next county attorney must build upon that expertise and work toward making the office the gold standard for the state, while strengthening critical partnerships and investing in the team and community.
Meg Hagaman is a Bow resident and criminal prosecutor running for Merrimack County Attorney.