The Candidate's Forum hosted by the Left Hand Valley Courier and the Niwot Community Association filled the Grange Hall on Tuesday, June 27. Enthusiastic community members gave a warm Niwot welcome to District Attorney candidates Dave Sanderson (R), Ben Thompson (D), Trip DeMuth (D) and Mary Keenan (D).

Each candidate told the crowd what they planned to change and answered questions from the audience. Moderator Becky Shaw, Niwot High School forensics coach and English teacher, introduced each candidate and explained the guidelines for the forum. Each candidate gave a five minute introduction and then answered questions the moderator read from cards submitted by the audience. Candidates were given three minutes to respond to each question.

The audience asked questions about plea bargaining, juvenile cases, relations with local law enforcement and what lessons were learned from the Ramsey case. The lightest moment came when candidates were asked if they favored use of photo radar for a) speeding, b) at stoplights, and c) in Niwot. The audience laughed as Sanderson paused briefly, then exclaimed, "Hell, no!" All the candidates emphatically agreed with his assessment.

Sanderson and Thompson both argued the D.A.'s office needed radical change and that a vote for them would guarantee reform. Thompson wondered why D.A. Alex Hunter had bypassed DeMuth and Keenan for the Ramsey investigation, bringing in outside attorneys to work on the grand jury presentation.

Sanderson promised to go to trial more often than the current D.A.'s office does, especially on serious cases. He also promised to promote deputies on the basis of merit rather than seniority.

DeMuth admitted that change is required but not "in a cookie cutter fashion." He said, "It is important for a prosecutor to treat each case individually and strive to seek justice." DeMuth was fresh from trying the Mirabel murder case, which resulted in a guilty verdict two days later.

Keenan gave insight into the difficulties of the existing system and offered ways to enhance current policies. She described how she is "already building better relationships with police agencies," and involved in numerous community organizations to help implement change. "I am proud of my record and history in the D.A.'s office," she stated.

When asked, all the candidates agreed not to engage in negative campaigning. Thompson noted, however, that his criticism of the other candidates should not be viewed as negative campaign tactics, but the other candidates gave him skeptical looks.

The meeting was adjourned after the candidates gave brief concluding comments. Afterwards, the candidates mingled with members of the audience while refreshments were served, as is traditional at the Grange Hall.

Copies of all questions submitted by the audience were mailed to the candidates after the forum. Sanderson's campaign manager noted that except for the captive audience at the annual bar association dinner, the Niwot turnout was by far the largest of any gathering of the candidates.