In the last of four Athens County Public Library forums, the two Democratic candidates for prosecuting attorney - incumbent C. David Warren and William Biddlestone - on Friday discussed the March 2 primary election with the public and media.
Although Biddlestone and Warren have both served as Athens County Prosecuting Attorney, their philosophies for prosecution differ.
Biddlestone said he does not share the don't try to mess attitude of Warren.
Our duty is to seek justice
not merely to convict Biddlestone said.
Warren described his philosophy on prosecuting methods as knock down drag out
this is war.
Because I feel that it's my job to go in there to represent the victim
and that victim is the one that deserves justice
he said.
The key to being successful in the courtroom is preparation, such as preparing the witness, Biddlestone said.
In response, Warren said, And that's our fundamental difference. He seeks justice for the criminal
and I seek justice for the victim.
Warren said he thinks that his administration has done well over the last term. Of the cases he has convicted during his administration, Warren's conviction rate is about 94 percent of cases convicted on the original charge and about 6 percent of cases convicted on reduced charges. A conviction rate is ascertained by comparing the number of convicted cases versus the number of acquittals.
If re-elected, Warren said he plans to continue the same course by expanding prosecution into more serious crimes and making Athens a safer place to live.
Before Warren took office, Biddlestone had been the prosecuting attorney for eight years from 1993 to 2001.
Biddlestone said he increased the amount of criminals prosecuted from roughly 100 to 150 during his eight years as Athens County Prosecuting Attorney and added more office employees.
Warren said he thinks he has a better relationship with law enforcement agencies than Biddlestone. He believes his four years as Athens County Prosecuting Attorney have been better in regards to civil cases, criminal prosecution and a victim's assistance program.
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Nicole Bonomini and Dan Rinderle
