I’ve been following the race for district attorney with great interest for the last few months. The passions are high and nearly everyone has a strong opinion about the three candidates.

Many are bent on judging a man’s career based on a single case, others believe any change in the office would be for the better, and some even see a law enforcement conspiracy in Lake County.

This past weekend things got a little more interesting. We find in a Press Democrat (5/29) article that one challenger apparently has gotten himself into some serious financial problems. In a letter to the Record Bee (5/29), a former client of the other challenger claims that his negligent handling of her case cost her some serious money. And I was looking for perfection in a candidate. Go figure!

I am not one who believes that change for the sake of change would be for the better. In fact, it could be disastrous. In Jon Hopkins I see a prosecutor with 38 years of professional experience and a long track record of being strong on crime and unwilling to plea bargain away our quality of life.

We need a district attorney willing to go after the DUIs, drug dealers, elder abuse cases and the growing gang problem. It would be foolish to entrust such a large, critical department to the operational control and management of either challenger. Both lack the prosecutorial and executive experience to effectively perform as Lake County District Attorney.

Seriously, folks, there is only one sensible choice. I hope you will join me in supporting Jon Hopkins on June 8.

Chris Hansen lives in Kelseyville.