North Florida’s longtime state attorney, Willie Meggs, is retiring. And it’s sparked a big race for his successor. The candidates include the son of Leon’s longtime former sheriff, a perennial candidate for local office, and the man who lost to Meggs four years ago.
For the first time in 30 years, Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit, is an open race. Jack Campbell, son of former Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell has jumped in. So has Pete Williams, who lost to Willie Meggs four years ago, and then there’s Sean Desmond. The state attorney has the power to investigate, arrest and prosecute crimes. And one of the biggest issues is becoming the spate of shootings plaguing Tallahassee. It’s something all three have different perspectives on how to address. Each man wants to be seen as tough, but fair.
Campbell has a reputation of being tough on crime. But he was also the first person to meet with two families—that of the victim and the accused—to reach a deal on punishment. It’s called restorative justice. And the case he worked was a first degree murder.
“The victims wanted me to do something," said Campbell. "The boy is still spending 20 years in prison, and it was a hard decision, but one I have experience making. At the same time, I’m the first prosecutor to win a no-body murder case in the history of this county. Just because you’re a good murderer doesn’t mean you should get away with it.”
The restorative justice case was profiled in the New York Times. For candidate Pete Williams, crime prevention is key.
“I think more about, what could have been done to prevent four killings? Nobody wins once four people are dead," he said. "And I’ve had so many cases where mothers on both sides, they’re both destroyed. One has lost their child and another is going to lose her child to the criminal system.”
Tallahassee's Law enforcement can identify down to the specific street address, where violent crime is likely to occur. Sean Desmond says part of the solution is about intervention. Last October, Cure Violenceheld a town-hall style meeting with Southside residents.
“I am huge proponent of this," Desmond said. " [It's] a program that’s been successful in areas of Chicago. I think we need to bring down some ideas and get folks to go right into the crime scene when it happens and try to discourage retaliation. That’s number one.”
Three candidates, three different ways to approach gun violence in the community.
Campbell and Desmond are running as Democrats and will face off in a primary. Williams is a Republican and the only one in the race. Local voters will state their choices in the August 30th primary.
The Network of Entrepreneurs & Business Advocates recently hosted the candidates for a forum.
