Local opinion: Mike Jette, Democrat for County Attorney — in my own words

My name is Mike Jette, and I am running to be your next Pima County Attorney. I am a pro-choice, pro-environment Democrat. I stand firmly against the death penalty, believing it is applied unfairly and arbitrarily, and I support automatic diversion for many non-violent crimes. I hold an environmental law degree and an MBA in management and finance. My career has been dedicated to justice and community service, and I have the experience and ethics to do this job right.

For 17 years, I served as a prosecutor at county (Santa Cruz), state, and federal agencies. I was honored to represent the United States and the Department of Justice internationally, working in countries like Pakistan and the Philippines, where I set up prosecution offices and promoted the rule of law.

Internationally, I worked on cases involving terrorism, corruption, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. One of the most challenging moments of my career involved extraditing terrorists and aiding Afghan refugees in escaping the Taliban. Navigating these high-stake cases required legal expertise, diplomatic skills, and the ability to manage complex inter-agency collaborations to ensure our nation’s security and the safety of those fleeing theocratic oppression.

Locally, I prosecuted victim cases including burglaries, murder, elder fraud, public corruption, and cybercrimes. I trained new attorneys and agents with the FBI, Homeland Security, and other law enforcement agencies. I have been involved in thousands of criminal investigations and over 100 trials, but most importantly, I pride myself on always giving a voice to victims of crime. My professional journey thus far has instilled in me a profound understanding that justice is not merely about punishment but about restoring balance, ensuring safety to the community, and providing the necessary services to both defendants and victims.

In stark contrast, my opponent lacks the needed experience to be the top prosecutor in our county. She has never prosecuted a case or conducted a single trial and, sadly, ignores the victims of crimes. Her record over the last three plus years is telling. For example, domestic violence offenders are not being prosecuted; protocols to support victims have been dismantled; and victims lament that she has violated their Victim Rights and ignored their voices by offering lenient plea bargains to violent offenders. In fact, we just saw two young men, who violently murdered a 17-year-old boy, walk free when she offered them probation! She has also violated Constitutional speedy trial rights of both defendants and victims. Law enforcement morale is low, and attorneys and staff have left her office in droves. Shockingly, she had to undergo ethics training by the State Bar. Her excuse — it’s someone else’s fault. Her plan — take no accountability, deflect, and spread lies about her own conduct and her opponent.

Your vote can make a positive change. I bring extensive prosecution and management experience, a collaborative temperament, and a dedication to justice that is compassionate and fair. I stand firm for Democratic and community values. Again, I am pro-choice and pro-environment. My ongoing commitment to community service includes coaching for Special Olympics and for high school mock trial, serving as President of Tucson Clean and Beautiful, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering as a crisis advocate for sexual assault victims. I am proud and humbled to have so many endorsements from great legal professionals, activists, community organizations, and law enforcement unions including: the Arizona chapter of the National Organization for Women; Tucson Association of Realtors; AZcops; and the Tucson Police Officers Association.

The Pima County Attorney’s Office requires a leader with relevant experience as a prosecutor and someone with a history of giving back to the community. My global perspective ensures that our local justice system is part of a larger, inter-connected network that provides security and support for our community. Your well-being and safety are my top priorities and I ask for your vote this election.