I’m writing to encourage Democrats in Cumberland County to vote for Jon Gale for district attorney in the June 12 primary.

I’ve known Jon for 23 years. For many of those years he worked as a defense attorney and public defender in the Portland area. He embodied the spirit of our constitutional right to counsel by representing individuals who had no one else to advocate for them. I asked him about that once, what it was like supporting people who had done some horrible things, and he surprised me with his answer. He said that he found the work rewarding because in moments when people are hitting rock bottom in life, they are often the most motivated to change. In a nutshell: He liked helping people turn their lives around.

As head of the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, Jon would guide prosecutors to seek smart sentences that effectively treat the sources of crimes, helping to turn lives around and reduce total crime. In the last 20 years, he has seen too many traditional jail sentences lead to repeat crimes when people get out of jail. His office would seek more sentences that include drug rehabilitation and mental health programs, which have better odds of getting lives back on track and limiting repeat criminal activity.

Jon also worked as an assistant district attorney, and therefore has experience prosecuting criminals and working on the front lines for public safety. Jon is fiercely logical, tough and realistic. He has more overall experience as a lawyer than any other candidate for this office.

In over two decades of practicing law, he has seen all sides of our legal system. He has the experience, vision and character to make Cumberland County more safe and just. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Jon Gale for district attorney June 12.

Lindsay Sterling

founder, Immigrant Kitchens

Freeport


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