To the editor:
In 2005, 18 youths were arrested in a drug sting in Great Barrington. Most had never been in trouble for anything before. They were good students, good kids. The sons of two friends of mine were caught up in the drug sting. All of the charges were non-violent small drug offenses.
The DA’s office was adamant that these young people be charged with felonies and face 2-year mandatory jail time. The DA indicted each and every one of them. The DA’s office would not consider any alternative sentences which meant that 18 youths, many still in high school and ready to start their lives, were instead going to spend two years in jail and be labeled felons for the rest of their lives.
Attorney Judith Knight, our true progressive candidate for the position of Berkshire County District Attorney took the first case to trial in Superior Court. She convinced the jury, as well as the community, that there is a better way to handle these cases. Attorney Knight has been pushing for crime reforms and diversion programs for over 12 years. These ideas aren’t new to her. She has been thinking about how the DA could best implement these ideas for years. And now our Massachusetts legislators have passed a reform crime bill that needs to be implemented in our county. Attorney Knight has the knowledge and experience to do this and so much more.
Unlike her progressive opponent, Knight has been in the trenches fighting for these reforms for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in both superior and district courts – her progressive opponent does not. And, the other candidate is not really progressive.
Experience matters. Details matter. Look closely at the background and experience of each candidate and you’ll conclude as I have that Judith Knight is the one to vote for on September 4.
Mary Hart
Stockbridge
The writer is treasurer for Campaign to Elect Judith Knight.
