The Asheville Blade’s guide to the primary that will determine who’s in charge of one of the most powerful positions on the local ballot — district attorney
District Attorney is an incredibly powerful position, perhaps one of the most important on a local ballot. This office, and the prosecutors they employ, have a huge amount of power to decide how equitably the criminal justice system does — or doesn’t — work, whose rights are respected (or ignored) and where consequences are (or aren’t) inflicted. At every level it’s an office deeply tied in with the many life-or-death issues people in our community face.
This year’s race is a rematch. Incumbent Todd Williams once again faces off against challenger Ben Scales. Last time they competed in the general election (Scales ran as an independent), this time it’s in the Democratic primary (there is no Republican candidate, so the winner will almost certainly gain the seat).
The office has received more scrutiny — and controversy — in recent months, as Williams’ decision to wait to press charges against the officer involved in the brutal police attack against Johnnie Rush has become a major topic of debate. Williams has, overall, defended his conduct in office as making long-overdue reforms while carefully carrying out the law, while Scales has asserted the office has failed to deliver justice on multiple levels and that he will instead bring about actual progressive change.
In the Blade‘s questionnaire, we ask about mass incarceration, marijuana, assessments of local law enforcement, domestic violence, the treatment of the trans community and many other pressing issues.
Early voting continues through Saturday, May 5. Primary Day is May 8.
Our questionnaires for both candidates are below.
Todd Williams (incumbent)
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