Different visions offered for prosecutor's office

NEWARK - There isn't much that William Hayes and Christopher Shook agree on when it comes to the Licking County prosecutor's race in this year's election.

They both agree they want the job, which will be vacated by Ken Oswalt, who decided not to run for reelection this year. And they agree they want to bring positive change to the office.

Hayes, a Republican, said he wants to change the mindset of those working in the office to be more of public servants and have employees, especially in the civil division of the office, be more helpful.

"I would hope it would become an office that's a little more aware and attentive to the needs of the clients, especially as it involves the libraries, the trustees and other agencies," he said.

Hayes also said he wanted to focus on engaging with law enforcement to make sure "the bad guys" are being held accountable for their actions.

Shook, a Democrat, wants to change the office's approach to handling some types of cases, including drug possession charges, and have a more individualized assessment of cases. He also said he wants the way cases are handled between prosecutors and defense attorneys to be speedier.

"If we know a person has a non-violent crime and has a chance to improve themselves, we need to put them in the best position to do that," he said. "We need to have willingness to reduce some charges to misdemeanors."

Shook and Hayes also agreed that plea deals, while a necessary part of the justice system, need to take into account the defendant's remorse when it comes to sentencing.

Hayes said the punishment negotiated should fit the crime and the victims have to feel like justice has been served. Shook said while both those things are true, a defendant's hope for rehabilitation in cases where the crime is non-violent and not sexually based, should be considered as well.

The pair of candidates both have years of experience as attorneys. Shook said his experience working the last 10 years at a local law firm in civil and criminal work, as well as appeals work, has prepared him more directly for the role of prosecutor.

"I've been in our courtrooms over the last 10 years," he said. "You have to be able to adapt to each judge and each court and it's easier if you're aware and have the experience in the beginning."

Hayes has practiced law for the past 30 years and has a law practice in Pataskala, specializing in personal injury, estate, family, real estate and juvenile law. He said his time in the Ohio House of Representatives has helped him stay up to date on current laws, even though he hasn't necessarily been in the courtroom.

"I've been on the judicial and criminal justice committees," he said. "I'm briefed on all the laws as they run through. I see the bills as they're introduced and debated and actually see the laws being created."

Hayes and Shook also disagree on how the Newark Police Department's Addiction Recovery Initiative, which has seen initial success since its introduction in June, should be expanded.

Hayes said he didn't see simply expanding the program as a solution to the problem.

"The solution, I really think, is a statute much like the 911 amnesty program," he said. "It needs to be vetted and put into law. Also, you shouldn't be turning drugs in to someone who is bound by oath to arrest you."

Shook said he believes Newark's program is a model that other departments can use to provide help to those battling with addiction.

"If it has the success I believe it will, it will spread. This program can set an example statewide and countywide," he said.

Who They Are

Bill Hayes

Age: 72

Party Affiliation: Republican

Experience: Hayes has been a state Representative since 2010 and has a law firm in Pataskala. He also has previous experience as the former City Law Director in Pataskala and a school board member for Southwest Licking Local and Reynoldsburg City Schools. 

Key Endorsements: Jerry McClain, Dan DeLawder, Gary Walters, Olivia Parkinson, Mike Smith, other state and local leaders

Chris Shook

Age: 36

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Experience: Shook has worked as a private attorney in Newark for about 10 years. He has also served as a special assistant Law Director for Newark, an acting judge in Licking County Municipal Court, a staff attorney in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and worked in the Canton Law Department.

Key Endorsements: International Association of Firefighters Local 109, Licking County Fraternal Order of Police Local 127

Candidate questions

Each candidate was permitted to ask one question directly of their opponent. Below are the questions and the responses.

Shook's question to Hayes: "You've previously stated you want a prosecutor's office that is not afraid to go to trial. Given that statement, when was the last time you conducted a jury trial as lead attorney?"

Hayes response: "I do not remember. It has been several years because for the last 10 years, I've been involved in state government in the state legislature and my efforts have been directed toward state policy, much of which involves policy dealing with issues affecting the operations of the prosecutor's office."

Hayes' question to Shook: "Please answer in the form of a number, the number of warrants that have been issued for your arrest during your adult life."

Shook's response: "For late payments on minor traffic tickets, I have had three bench warrants (two from my college years) that were quickly resolved with payment."

More information on each candidate is available in The Advocate's online voter guide.