Photo: AFP
There will be an open state attorney seat in Palm Beach County for the first time in 12 years, because Dave Aronberg is not seeking re-election. There are two Republicans running in a primary.
Forrest Freedman worked as a prosecutor in Massachusetts and is now a partner in a local law firm. He wants some reform at the State Attorney's Office.
"I think that we have to add some more teeth into these diversion programs and also into the juvenile court system, which I've worked in. I've worked in juvenile court justice and it's very easy to identify those kids that get in and they do it again and again and again."
He says first-time offenders in crimes without violence would be able to take a diversion program and if they complete it, it could lead to eventual expungement. Freedman would also like to reduce fines for traffic tickets and for a first minor traffic violation.
His opponent in this primary is Sam Stern, who worked as a prosecutor in New Jersey for both a county and the federal government. He also worked as a prosecutor for the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office.
"I am the unique candidate in this race, or anybody, who has been a state prosecutor, who has been a federal prosecutor, who has been on the defense side and who teaches at a very high level. I teach at the University of Miami Law School, at the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia and I also have a published book on trial advocacy."
Stern wants to create a task force to deal with felons caught committing gun crimes.
The winner of this race will face the winner of the Democrat Primary and one NPA candidate in November.