DA RACE Sanderson has needed broad experience

The November election presents Boulder County voters with the opportunityto bring to the District Attorney's office a person with both the experience and talent to handle the extraordinary responsibilities associated with the administration of criminal justice in our communities.

I have known Dave Sanderson since he opened his law practice in Boulder in 1991. In 1994 and 1995, Dave and I practiced law together, and I observed as he always handled the demands of his busy law practice with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Dave has consistently demonstrated a commitment to justice and fairness. From 1994 to 1996, he successfully represented an indigent disabled elderly man in complicated litigation in the U.S. District Court, and in the process established new disability law to the benefit of countless persons nationwide. Creativity, courtroom skill and tireless efforts have been the standards for his law practice and a model for colleagues familiar with his work.

While his opponent Mary Keenan's skills as a criminal prosecutor are admirable, she lacks the variety of experience that Dave has obtained in his years of private law practice. Moreover, it should be concerning that Keenan has accepted a campaign contribution from a defense attorney with an ongoing case with the Boulder District Attorney's Office. Her apparent disregard for "avoiding the appearance of impropriety," a standard of conduct fundamental to members of the legal profession, raises the question whether her judgment is worthy of the public's trust.

I caution voters to avoid the fallacy that a lack of prosecutororial experience makes Dave's opponent more qualified for the office. His professional background, success as a business owner, and record in various courts in this state and elsewhere demonstrate an ample ability to handle the responsibility of serving as our district attorney. I urge my friends, neighbors and colleagues to vote for Dave Sanderson for District Attorney.

MICHAEL J. GRILLS
Broomfield