Questions Huyett's Measure of Cases Filed and Prosecuted, Supports McIntosh

To the editor:

During the past several weeks, much has been written in The Courier and elsewhere regarding the race for Logan County state's attorney. As a result, several facts are now apparent and should be carefully considered by the voters of Logan County.

First, the record of the current state's attorney, Tim Huyett, clearly indicates that he failed to adequately fulfill the duties of this job. Prosecutions in Logan County have fallen throughout his seven years in office. He has, throughout his campaign, congratulated himself for the total number of cases he has filed. The irrefutable truth is that both felony and misdemeanor case filings have fallen throughout his two terms as state's attorney. In addition, the number of cases filed during 2006 is less than half the number filed by his predecessor, Mr. Workman, during each of his last two years in office.

At a recent candidates forum, Mr. Huyett defended this dismal record by stating that his predecessor had "over-prosecuted" cases in Logan County. Apparently Mr. Huyett's solution to the increasing crime rate is to prosecute fewer cases. This is professional excuse-making that defies credibility.

Further, Mr. Huyett has demonstrated an inability to work with many other local officials and law enforcement agencies. The recent debacle that resulted from his release to the press of a previously confidential memorandum, which had been sent to the mayor and other city officials some months before, is a reflection of the character of this man. This politically motivated, self-serving act was a betrayal of trust on his part and accomplished nothing beneficial. He did, through his failure to redact to sensitive information, serve to create potential hardship for crime victims while hampering the audit of his memorandum. Perhaps the release of this memorandum was designed to deflect attention from his long-standing failure to prosecute many good arrests. One can only speculate as to the reasons for his failure to prosecute.

As a supervisor, if I had an employee who released sensitive information regarding an ongoing, unresolved and confidential matter, I would not hesitate to fire that employee. The voters of Logan County should do the same to Mr. Huyett.

Mr. Huyett has made "prosecutorial experience" a cornerstone of his campaign. Apparently, his definition of experience is occupying a chair in the courthouse while crime increases and prosecutions decline steadily for seven years. Experience without adequate performance of duty and satisfactory results does not constitute an admirable record of public service.

Mr. Huyett's performance as state's attorney is unacceptable and soft on crime. The citizens of Logan County deserve far better.

It is time for a change, and Michael McIntosh can implement that change. He has the necessary experience in litigation and prosecution and is well-qualified to provide a much-needed and long overdue change of direction and performance in the state's attorney's office. In addition, he has served as a police officer and investigator for 20 years, and he has the ability to work with, rather than against, all law enforcement agencies for the protection of crime victims and the law-abiding citizens of Logan County. He has Logan County values and ethics and will serve with integrity to enforce the law, prosecute criminals and set an example as a public official.

Vote for Mike McIntosh for Logan County state's attorney on Feb. 5.

Charles N. Conzo

[Posted February 02, 2008]