As a parent, the future of our community is important to me and I take my voting responsibility seriously. So I’ve attended the district attorney debates and I’ve made my decision as to who should be our next district attorney. It’s Don Anderson and here’s why.

Don Anderson is unassuming and quietly confident. Listening to Don you get the distinct feeling that he’s old school. By that I mean, if he gives you his word and offers a hand shake, that’s a deal you can take to the bank. Why do I make this observation?

Don Anderson listens more than he talks. And when he talks – he doesn’t back down. For example, Don wants to open an office in Clearlake. His opponents, Jon Hopkins and Doug Rhoades, don’t like the idea. Well, if you live anywhere in the south county area – and even if you don’t – you surely understand the area is underserved. His nay-saying opponents had a multitude of reasons why they didn’t think it was a good idea, like things are working just fine the way they are. Don was not dissuaded making the point that a leader makes priorities and budgets on that basis.

Unlike his opponents, who don’t seem to have any specific plans to bring some sunshine on their office, Don Anderson will institute both an open door policy and a citizen’s advisory board. After the now infamous Dinius case, I don’t understand why anyone would not want to involve the public in a meaningful way.

I will say Don Anderson’s opponents present well – that is they seem practiced in public speaking. That’s fine, but to do a job well, especially a leadership job like district attorney, you need to be more than a smooth talker. You need to perform well under fire – real fire that is, not just hyperbole.

I found out Don has been under fire, and in a way his opponents have not. A case in point is the implication made by Jon Hopkins that his opponents were afraid to fight for public safety, to which Don said, “Don’t look at me when you say fear of fighting for public safety. I’ve got more scars from my days as a deputy sheriff than you can know. I’ve been attacked many times, shot at twice, and shot once. I can tell you fear never has and never will stop me from doing the right thing.”

I also found out that Don was shot apprehending the killers of Sgt. Richard Helbush, his friend and co-worker. Based on this I don’t think anyone can question Don Anderson‘s courage under fire. It sure made me confident that Don will not only take on tough cases – but he’ll win.

There’s one last thing I want to share about Don Anderson. He does about 20 percent of his work pro bono. So, while his opponents are boasting their memberships in clubs and organizations, Don is out quietly helping people – in a tangible way – for free.

I, for one, am tired of slick and glossy politicians – the ones full of empty promises, who love to ride on the coat tails of anyone who will make them look good. We don’t need polished; we need honest, intelligent and capable.

The only one in the pool of candidates running for district attorney that I’m convinced will be true to his words and convictions, and who will not turn his back on you, is Don Anderson. If you haven’t already done so, take a good look at him. I did and he’s got my vote.

Jody Galvan lives in Middletown.