Roe named SnoCo prosecutor

Mark Roe “You don’t fix something that ain’t broke.”

Enough fellow council members agreed with John Koster’s statement about preserving continuity regarding the prosecutor’s office in Snohomish County.

Just enough.

The council voted 3-2 in favor of electing senior deputy prosecutor Mark Roe for the vacant county prosecutor position after a 30 minute deliberation following Wednesday’s interview process.

“I was really humbled and overwhelmed by the cheers in the council chamber on Wednesday,” said Roe. “There is no doubt in my mind, or the minds of most in our county’s law and justice system, that I am the right person to lead this office.”

Roe will act as interim prosecutor until November’s election determines a new prosecutor to serve a full, four-year term effective at the end of 2010.

Former county prosecutor Janice Ellis resigned last month to pursue work with the Tulalip Tribes, forcing the council to decide on her replacement.

Jim Kenny, a Snohomish County fire commissioner for District 1 and a prosecutor for the city of Seattle, ran against Roe, while former deputy prosecutor Millie Judge participated in the process “as a representative of the Democratic Party” but asked for a deferred vote, endorsing Roe.

The candidates were nominated by county Democrats.

With 22 years of prosecuting many of the county’s worst criminals and helping start the child advocacy center, Roe said his experience set him apart from the other candidates.

“I have the support of local law enforcement and crime victims,” he said. “I think that made a big difference to the council members who voted for me.”

One of those council members, Dave Somers, said the decision was both difficult and easy.

Three outstanding candidates made the process easy, said Somers. Having to say no to two of them was hard.

“We’ll have an interesting election next year,” he said. “At this time, Roe is the correct choice.”

Councilmember Brian Sullivan sided with Koster and Somers.

“Maintaining continuity of the prosecutor’s office is paramount,” said Sullivan. “It’s time to move forward.”

Referencing a vote by the Democratic precinct officers in November, in which Kenny led 90 votes to Roe’s 65, council chair Mike Cooper voiced his frustrations with the decision.

“I’m frustrated by the lack of respect for the people that sent us the nominations,” said Cooper. “Quite frankly, I think today, we are not listening to the community.”

Somers accused Cooper of describing a false portrayal of the situation.

The job of the precinct officers was to nominate the party’s candidates, not to make the decision, said Somers.

“I do respect that process,” he said. “The responsibility is now the council’s.”

Cooper described a lost opportunity to change the culture and course of the office, particularly in the civil department.

Vice-chair Dave Gosset, who voted for Kenny, made it clear the choice was difficult.

Regardless, he said, the office will continue to be well managed.

Kenny plans on continuing his campaign in next year’s election.

During the interview process, he highlighted opportunities to establish innovative problem-solving courts, community prosecution and strategies for reducing crime.

Roe also plans to have his name on November’s ballot.

However, his immediate concern is dealing with impending budget cuts and the elimination of “unnecessary, old-fashioned” paperwork by exchanging and storing information electronically.

“This will free up resources to accomplish other, more important tasks,” he said.

Continuing to protect the community and victims of crime in an honest and responsive way, said Roe, will remain a top priority.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.