Dear Editor,

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the district attorney for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit since 2002. Prior to becoming your district attorney, I served as the chief assistant district attorney for 11 years. I have dedicated my career to public service and the enforcement of victims’ rights.

The district attorney is the chief law enforcement officer of each county in a judicial circuit. The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit consists of Screven, Jenkins, Effingham and Bulloch counties. My office is responsible for prosecuting in court criminal charges made by our local law enforcement agencies. We are fortunate to have many fine law enforcement officers in our circuit protecting the rights of our citizens. I have always been responsive to the needs of those officers on the streets and the victims of crimes in our communities.

I am proud of my record as district attorney. You may not have heard a lot about the district attorney’s office. That is a good thing. My office is well-run and is staffed by highly-qualified personnel. If there were problems with the operation of my office, you can be assured you and I would have heard about it from judges in our circuit, law enforcement personnel, victims of crimes or the public. I would act quickly to remedy any such issues.

As you may know, on July 31 I am facing opposition for re-election. My political opponent is making a number of false and misleading accusations about me, my office and my staff. If there were problems with my office, you would have heard about them from somewhere other than my opponent’s family and friends. As a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia, I understand the importance of working together with all local governments for the benefit of all our citizens. I have worked hand-in-hand with all of our county governments to effectively manage my office through difficult financial times that we all have shared. I have the experience and the track record to continue as your district attorney.

By and large, I have declined to respond to the mud-slinging of my opponent in a campaign format. Her criticisms are petty and trifling. My office routinely handles very serious matters in a professional and competent manner. I am and have always been available to discuss any issue with the public, victims, judiciary and law enforcement.

Personal integrity is crucial to the effective management of my office. I ask you to look at my record and not be misled by the desperate tactics of my mud-slinging opponent. I humbly ask for your vote to continue as your district attorney.

Richard Mallard
District Attorney
Ogeechee Judicial Circuit