ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO) — The two candidates running for Northshore district attorney, Vincent Wynne and Collin Sims, spoke at a forum to explain why they’re the best fit for the job.
In recent years, the St. Tammany District Attorney’s Office has lost funding, but both promise voters won’t see a tax increase.
“I have run that office with $3 million less than the average DA’s office in this state in a similar situation based on population and case volume on an expert exhibit from the parish government when we are talking about our budgets,” said Interim District Attorney Collin Sims.
“I believe there a sufficient funds to run that office. We’ve got to lean up that office, we’ve got to make sure we are doing more with less. The reality of it is that is what the people want. They want someone that knows how to run an office and make sure it is being taken care of,” said Covington attorney Vincent Wynne.
Even though they’re tough on crime, both say specialty courts play a vital role for those with mental and addiction problems get help, instead of time behind bars.
“In Louisiana, 50% of people who commit a felony commit another felony. Our specialty courts are proven to work, only eight to twelve percent of those that complete our specialty court program go on to commit another felony,” said Sims.
“If we put them in jail that is not a good use of our time and taxpayer dollars. You want to give them the tools they need in order to become better citizens in our community,” said Wynne.
Sims says he has the experience Wynne lacks, while Wynne argues he’ll restore accessibility to the community.
“If you have never investigated crime which my opponent hasn’t. If you have never put together a grand jury investigation, worked with law enforcement, and built task forces… If you have not done that, you can’t lead. You can’t be a tough prosecutor if you have only done misdemeanors and tickets,” said Sims.
“They have the right to come into that office and see me, I want to bring a different feel to that office. We’ve got to get back to let our community of law enforcement do their job. Let them investigate crime and we prosecute,” said Wynne.
Residents will have the chance to hit the polls and vote on either of the candidates on March 23.
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