Ostrem faces challenge from MacLaughlin in Olmsted County Attorney's race
The job of the county’s top prosecutor is an elected position, meaning every four years voters get the opportunity to decide on the direction of the office. (The sheriff is also elected by voters, though Sheriff Kevin Torgerson is not facing a challenger this cycle.) To get a better idea of where the two candidates for Olmsted County Attorney stand, we asked them to finish five statements about the job. These were their responses.
Mark Ostrem
Olmsted County Attorney since 2007
Karen MacLaughlin
Family law attorney, current Rochester School Board director
I am running for office this cycle because …
Ostrem: The pandemic and other social injustices have created a swinging pendulum in public safety responses across the judicial system. It’s time to stop the swing and bring consistent response to issues in our community. We must protect our community from the broad, irresponsible inaction some jurisdictions have experienced. This is not the time to throw up our hands in despair without direction. It takes a seasoned confident leader to restore our sense of normal.
MacLaughlin: I believe as the Olmsted County Attorney I can increase fairness and reduce systemic barriers for everyone involved in the local justice system while still supporting public safety and safe communities. I am visible and active in the community. I have 20 years of real trial experience along with demonstrated leadership experience and a strong commitment to listen and partner with others to reach shared goals.
The primary responsibility of the county attorney is to …
Ostrem: Support law enforcement and community service providers to ensure public safety. The County Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of felony crimes committed in Olmsted County and the City of Rochester, along with crimes committed outside city limits. The responsibility of prosecution includes providing support and assistance to victims of crimes. The County Attorney supports the efforts of social workers to provide safety in our community families and represents the county in legal actions.
MacLaughlin: Partner with others to help support safe communities. Everyone has a right to feel safe. The County Attorney enforces the criminal laws to protect the public. The County Attorney also advises and works with county departments to keep children, families and members of our community safe, and helps to ensure children and families have the resources they need to maintain safe, healthy and stable lives.
Our community is best served when the county attorney’s office …
Ostrem: Is consistent in our response to public safety issues. Sweeping progressive reforms in prosecution offices have caused significant community unrest and public safety concerns in those jurisdictions. This is not the time for untested theories or gambles. Our community is healing from the pandemic and social discord and requires steady leadership to stay the course.
MacLaughlin: Has an experienced leader with real trial experience who is committed to supporting safe communities, who listens to and engages with everyone in the community, who actively partners with others to find innovative and creative solutions to real problems, and who prioritizes reducing barriers to justice for all.
If elected, I would ensure resources are focused on …
Ostrem: Consistent and fair treatment of all participants in the judicial system. Gun violence and large-scale drug crimes are priority issues for my office. Domestic abuse cases and impaired driving cause significant public safety issues. Mental health challenges and addiction permeate all aspects of adult and child protection cases. My office will continue to prioritize these issues while continuing to balance the rights of victims with achieving rehabilitation for offenders to live safely in our community.
MacLaughlin: Serious crimes that put public safety at risk, reducing gun violence (including the increased risk in domestic violence cases when firearm prohibition orders are not enforced), restorative justice programs and practices to help people who are in the criminal or civil justice system primarily due to their chemical dependency or mental health needs, and expanding community partnerships to reach shared goals.
In contrast to my opponent, I …
Ostrem: I have worked for 16 years to fulfill my mission promoting justice and public safety balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of society. I have personally handled nearly every case type this office receives, including homicides, drug crimes, domestic assault, complex white-collar crimes, predatory offender commitments and many civil matters. To successfully lead this office and community, the county attorney needs broad experience doing the job. I have that experience.
MacLaughlin: Prosecuted hundreds of cases between 1999 and 2016, including assaults, domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct (child and young adult victims), child pornography, and criminal vehicular homicide. I will bring that depth of experience back to this office. My broader experience in the community and on the school board demonstrates I take action, collaborate and lead. For example, I led the initiative to modernize the school resource officer program and contract.
Note: Candidates were asked to limit written responses to approximately 75 words.
