1 /5 Jared Tarbox: We need to stop re-electing career politicians. He will win because nobody will run against him. Time for a different tagline with younger bodies who represent diversity.
Clinton County has long been a community of resilience, adaptability, and progress. Yet, in the realm of justice and leadership, we find ourselves stagnating under the weight of a District Attorney whose platform has grown tired and disconnected from the evolving needs of our residents.
For too long, the current DA has relied on the notoriety of the 2015 #PrisonBreak incident to maintain relevance—a story that has been retold to the point of exhaustion. While that event was significant, our county’s present challenges demand attention that goes beyond past headlines. Crime is changing.
The opioid crisis continues to take lives, violent crime requires a firm yet thoughtful approach, and systemic issues in our judicial system persist. Our county needs leadership that is proactive rather than reactive, and a justice system that serves and protects all citizens fairly.
Let us be real—what has our District Attorneys office done to engage in the community short of putting the local drug bust in the paper and waving it away like a badge of honor? Community engagement should extend beyond self-congratulatory headlines; it should be about fostering trust, working alongside residents, and creating long-term solutions to the issues we face daily.
The residents of Clinton County deserve a breath of fresh air—a District Attorney who is in touch with the community and understands the struggles we face daily. We need someone who is willing to address issues head-on, engage with the public, and work toward solutions that reflect modern realities. Instead, we find ourselves burdened by the same "Good Ole Boy" network that prioritizes political survival over real progress.
Change is necessary. A new District Attorney could bring innovative policies, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to justice that prioritizes people over politics. The legal system should not be a revolving door for political legacies but rather a dynamic institution that evolves to meet the needs of its citizens.
As election season approaches, Clinton County residents must ask themselves: Do we want to be a community bound by outdated leadership, or are we ready to embrace a future where justice is fair, balanced, and forward-thinking? The time for change is now. We must advocate for leadership that is committed to the present and future of Clinton County, not just the past.
The people deserve better. The question is: Will we demand it? Are we as a community getting 200k (his yearly salary) worth of value from our present District Attorney?
