Most readers agree on choice for DA

Project: Reader Reaction

A recent Project: Reader Reaction question asked for a preference in the district attorney’s race — incumbent Brett Carter or challenger Matt Chandler. Some responses:

“Experience is the best teacher. I think that the younger ones are better taught and can and do learn a lot from the past. I know Mr. Chandler’s family, so I will probably vote for him.”

— Mac McDonald, Clovis

“This is a difficult choice. These are two strong candidates, and I would be comfortable with either of them being district attorney. I may not make a selection until I am in the voting booth.”

— Harold Burris, Clovis

“I’m voting for Matt Chandler. While experience counts, so does the vitality that is inherent in being the ‘new kid.’ I have no doubt that when elected he will make some mistakes, but mistakes are only made by those who are trying to accomplish something.”

— Raymond Atchley, Clovis

“Voting is a very private thing for most Americans; that is why they put up shields around the voting booths. So I respectfully decline comment on my vote.”

— Jim Sitterly, Clovis

“Not having any knowledge of the records of either candidate, I would have to go with the newcomer, Matt Chandler. My reason ... is that there were too many criminals escaping punishment with the present personnel in office. (I am) not saying it is entirely their fault, but partly theirs because (of) inept investigations ...”

— Gerald Majewski, Clovis

“The Matt Chandler campaign has all the ... feeling ... of an old-fashioned, good-old-American power grab. I don’t know what the motive for the grab is, whether Chandler was slighted by Brett Carter while Carter was Chandler’s supervisor or whether Chandler is merely a front, a face for a person or persons who want a hand in the area power structure.

“Chandler is too young to be our district attorney. However, someone thinks if they wrap him in enough emotional issues, if he does enough grandstanding and puts out enough signs they can slide him into office.

“There is a person who is supporting Chandler who, when I see them support anything, makes me suspect ... ”

— Brent McBee, Clovis

“I will vote for Matt Chandler for two reasons: First, I have already had a taste of the way Mr. Carter decides which cases are important enough to prosecute, and I believe that Matt Chandler will recognize and prosecute all crimes. Second, I believe that Matt is a man of integrity, a man of character, and a man of honor. Matt Chandler is an intelligent young man with a brilliant future ahead of him, and Clovis is lucky that this is his home.”

— Kay Arvizu, Clovis

“I proudly support Matt Chandler. He can count on my vote. I am ready to see an active, sociable, encouraging young man in the office who can take his great ideas and facilitate a decline in Curry County’s crime and drug problems, which ... have been on the rise for the last few years. Experience can lead to knowledge, but experience can also lead to indolence. Just because a young man has less than two years experience, doesn’t make him any less of a capable and knowledgeable man. When Mr. Chandler says he can, I believe he will.”

— Tanya Hughes, Clovis

“As long as the New Mexico judicial system allows convicted child molesters, repeat drunk drivers and murderers to be released on our streets, it won’t really make a difference who gets elected. New Mexico has only carried out one execution since 1960. And people wonder why we can’t deter crime? Duh.”

— Richard Lopes, Clovis