Local opinion: Who is Mike Jette?

I think I know who Mike Jette really is. I’ve been married to him for almost 19 years. We met in my hometown of Portland, Oregon and soon after moved to Tucson to pursue graduate degrees and support family. We’ve remained in Tucson because we love this community. Mike is running to be the next Pima County Attorney to serve the community he calls home.

Mike’s values and professional judgment have been shaped by his upbringing. He’s the son of an enlisted Marine Corps father and a librarian mother who worked hard to provide for their family. He’s a triplet and witnessed his two brothers battle serious health challenges. When he was 19 years old, Mike donated a kidney to one of his brothers. Shortly thereafter, they created a nonprofit organization and biked from Washington State to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about organ donation. Because of his lived experiences, Mike supports robust social safety nets, universal healthcare, and abortion rights. Since I’ve known him, he’s never wavered on these issues.

Throughout his 17-year career as a prosecutor, Mike has demonstrated fairness and balance, and has been a fierce advocate for victims of crime. On the campaign trail he shared the story of a woman who was arrested for moving a significant quantity of drugs across the border. He was the prosecutor on the case and as the case progressed, Mike learned that the woman had, in the recent past, been a victim of sex trafficking. Mike understood that this major trauma had dramatically changed this woman’s life trajectory. Her case was quickly adjudicated, and Mike turned his sights on prosecuting the woman’s perpetrator who was convicted and sent to prison. Mike isn’t a great prosecutor because he’s tough on crime. He’s a great prosecutor because he’s compassionate and holds strong values.

I hope voters consider Mike as a candidate, not based on the untruths spouted by those who don’t know him, but on his own actions and the testimonials of those who know him and who have worked with him. I know him. I am proud that Mike helped prosecute the land owner in Nogales who shot and killed a migrant. Not because it was an easy case, but because it was a case worth trying no matter the outcome. Because the victims deserved a voice. It’s been disheartening that the case has turned into political fodder in this race, considering Mike’s opponent has no trial record with which to judge her competency as a prosecutor.

I know Mike Jette. He’s experienced, he’s competent, he’s compassionate — he’s the best choice for Pima County Attorney.