Sean Smith

On the Record

What, if any, changes need to be made to modernize the state’s attorney's office?

Frankly, little is needed to “modernize” the State’s Attorney’s Office. The efficiency of the office will be enhanced when I take office by simply using a basic piece of technology – the telephone. Communicating with court officials, law enforcement officers and attorneys, by simply returning their phone calls, would be a tremendous improvement and will help to expedite the disposition of cases.

Does the state's attorney's office have enough resources to conduct its business?

The State’s Attorney’s Office does have the resources to conduct its business. Although mismanagement and misallocation of those resources within the last year may have placed a strain on the resources of the office, a top-to-bottom review of office management, procedures, and structure must and will be conducted when I take office. A reallocation of resources will likely be required and can be used to reduce the size of the budget for the office, thus easing the tax burden on DeKalb County residents. Unfortunately, and because of his background representing criminals, my opponent is disqualified from prosecuting his former clients, many of whom have committed new crimes. As a result, the office must utilize and pay a special prosecutor from outside the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office to handle those cases, further straining limited resources.

How a big a problem are drugs and violent crime in DeKalb County and what will you do to tackle the issue?

Very big. The problem is a daily and harsh reality for our law enforcement agencies. The extent of the problem, however, may not be fully known to everyone. The State’s Attorney is in a unique position to address the problem, in that the office is responsible for prosecuting crimes committed throughout the county. Our county must pool its limited resources. With the assistance and leadership of the State’s Attorney’s Office, a joint task force should be formed by all of the law enforcement agencies in the county, not only for investigative purposes, but also for tactical purposes, to provide more immediate and effective responses to crimes. Having to rely on state or federal agencies is neither a timely nor effective way to combat crimes that are imminent or unfolding. By pooling our collective resources, we can compensate for shortfalls any one particular agency may have.

What is the biggest issue facing law enforcement in the county and what should be the state's attorney's role in addressing it?

The biggest issue facing law enforcement is an increasing population of criminals choosing to live here, the byproduct of which is an expanded market for criminals outside of DeKalb County who come here to sell their wares and commit their crimes. Simply put, the best way to address the problem is to get rid of the criminals. The State’s Attorney, in concert with all of our law enforcement agencies, should change the environment of the county by making it unattractive to and inhospitable for the criminals already here, those who might consider relocating here, and those considering an expansion of their criminal enterprises here. Our criminal justice climate should be one that deals with criminals swiftly and harshly. A clear message must be sent that DeKalb County is not a place that will tolerate their presence or their criminal activities.

What distinguishes you from the other candidate in this primary?

Leadership: I have provided it; my opponent has not. As a platoon sergeant, I was responsible for leading twenty to thirty soldiers at a time. Owning a law firm for nine years, I have led a staff of employees and managed a budget. Until a year ago, my opponent never held any leadership position, employed anyone, or managed any office’s budget. Experience: my opponent spent his legal career trying to help criminals avoid punishment. I have focused my practice on representing law-abiding citizens, something I will continue to do when elected. Reputation: I have worked very hard to earn my reputation of being honest, hard-working, punctual and competent; my opponent has devoted his time to being a perennial candidate, while neglecting his clients. Character: while my opponent has knowingly misrepresented my experience, I have opted to rely on the truth.

What, if anything, can be done to speed up the process of cases going through the courthouse?

Solving this problem will require much greater efficiency, communication, and real leadership. The solution starts at the top. Having a State’s Attorney who is accustomed to getting things done, is willing to work with (and not against) all of the other participants in law enforcement and the court system, and who has true leadership skills will be essential. Focusing on finding a solution to this problem should be a top priority, as opposed to focusing on headlines, quotes and camera angles in so-called “high profile” cases. The primary role of the State’s Attorney is to serve the county, not to pursue his own political ambition or personal glory. Ensuring cases are disposed of competently and swiftly should not simply be a goal for the State’s Attorney, it is his obligation.