Dear Editor:

I’m writing to support the election of David Sinclair, who is running for District Attorney for Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties. Whoever wins the election will be responsible for all criminal prosecutions in those four counties. District attorneys in Maine operate largely behind the scenes, outside the limelight, and away from cameras.

Nevertheless, the job is important to the public, to the victims and to the criminals. District attorneys are deeply involved with prosecutions, bail, plea agreements, grand juries, trials, sentencing and other aspects of the criminal justice system. The election of a district attorney is important.

David Sinclair is a native of Midcoast Maine — born in Damariscotta and living in Bath. He is an accomplished attorney with a broad legal practice that includes criminal defense work. He has served with distinction on the Bath City Council for the past six years. He also serves on the Two Bridges Regional Jail Authority Board and the Greater Bath Area Food Bank Board.

If David Sinclair is elected district attorney, he will focus more on reducing the crime rate than on increasing the conviction rate and filling the jails. What’s most important is protecting the public from criminals and finding ways for criminals to become productive members of society.

If David Sinclair is elected district attorney, he will explore and promote alternative models of criminal justice (such as the Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast) because the criminal justice system is broken, badly broken. It costs us a fortune and the results are wasteful of lives and taxpayer money.

Most importantly, David Sinclair will bring fresh blood to a public office that is little known but vital. His opponent has been district attorney for the last 21 years; and little has changed during that time. It’s time for change. It’s time for new ideas. It’s time to elect David Sinclair for district attorney.

Hugh Maynard, Esq.

Bath