The Orion Republican Club hosted a ‘Meet the Candidates? evening at the Orion Township Public Library last Tuesday, welcoming Republican candidates for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s position.
Three candidates, David Law (R-Commerce), Larry Leib (R-Farmington Hills) and Randy Secontine (R-Rochester Hills) were present.
A fourth candidate, Richard D. Kuhn (R-Waterford), did not participate.
A decision by the courts to remove his name from the ballot was upheld earlier that morning, and Kuhn decided not to be involved in the debate while he appeals that decision. The decision hinges on a rule that former judges must be off the bench at least one year before running for a prosecutorial position.
The winner of the primary election will face Jessica R. Cooper (D-Beverly Hills) on the Nov. ballot. Cooper is running unopposed.
Questions centered on the candidates? relationship with County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, their background and experience in the law, involvement in charities, budgeting, and partisanship of the position, among other things.
The candidates also gave opening and closing statements in the one-and-a-half hour debate.
Leib spoke about his experiences in private practice.
‘I have a diverse practice,? Leib said. ‘I have spent the past 14 years in the courtroom and in the board room.?
‘One of the things that makes me different from my opponents is that I’m somebody with a business background,? he said. ‘I think the correct vision for who can run Oakland County’s largest public law firm is somebody who has a business background.?
Secontine is currently serving in County Prosecutor David Gorcyca’s office. Gorcyca, a Republican, is currently completing his third term in the position.
‘It’s been my privilege and honor to serve to you and our fellow Oakland County residents for nearly 17 years as an assistant Oakland County prosecuting attorney,? Secontine said. ‘I was originally hired by L. Brooks Patterson and served under the last three Republican prosecutors.?
‘I’ve been assigned high profile cases with unique issues,? he added. ‘My profession is public safety.?
Law has spent the past few years as a state representative in West Bloomfield/Commerce Township.
‘I’ve put my prior training in the prosecutor’s office to use,? Law said. ‘A lot of the bills I’ve introduced have been law enforcement related.?
‘I think I bring the most unique blend of experiences to this job,? he said. ‘I’ve been a prosecutor, I’ve worked in the state legislature and I’ve been a lifelong Republican.?
During the debate, JoAnn Van Tassel and local attorney Jim Porritt served as moderators.
If you missed your opportunity to meet the candidates, the event will be broadcast on ONTV (Cable Channel 10) on June 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. DVD copies will also be available by calling (248)693-3377.