Dennis Barnard

What do you feel are your qualifications for being elected State’s Attorney?

I feel that I am well qualified for the post of Shelby County State’s Attorney not only because of my law degree, but because of my varied life experience. I do have a degree in law and I have worked in the criminal justice system in Macon County. While there I have worked in the public defender's office and have also had a private practice with James Brinkoetter a long time Decatur attorney. I have worked mainly in the traffic division handling many of the driving under the influence cases here in Macon County. I also work in the juvenile division as well as doing other cases as needed.

I also feel that my varied life experiences will help me greatly with my duties as State's attorney. I have worked with many people over the years and know how to deal with many personality types. I also know how to deal with finances having managed a business grossing well over a million dollars annually.

As the top law enforcement official in the county what do you see as the most important issues facing the State’s Attorney’s office?

I feel that there are several issues of utmost importance facing the State's Attorneys office. First and foremost is the issue of financing. This is an issue in almost every public entity in the state. However I do not feel that this is a time to try to raise taxes on the taxpayers of Shelby County in light of all that is going on in our nation and world regarding the financial crisis. Everyone needs to tighten their belt to get through these times government included. As State's Attorney I will seek out grants that are available to add certain programs or help fund existing ones. Having a background in managing a successful business and the financial expertise that goes along with doing that will give me a head start in this area.

A couple of other major issues facing the State's Attorney's office are drugs and drug crimes. These affect the average citizen as well as the office. Having a strong law enforcement presence does help to prevent these from happening but there has to be on going support from agencies like DARE and other programs to educate people before they get involved in those things to begin with. As State's Attorney I intend to see that there is justice for all in Shelby County, and I will seek the truth in all cases. I intend to represent all of the people of Shelby County not just a select few and I intend to have an open door policy to answer questions of anyone who may seek to contact me. I believe the public safety of all the people of Shelby County is the main concern of this office and I intend try to ensure that.

What have you done outside of your professional employment to become involved in the community?

3. I have done many things outside of my professional employment in the law as well as when I was a farmer. I have been a member of our local Methodist church since childhood and have served on many committees as well as being a member of the adult choir since high school. I have taught classes and taken a leadership role in many aspects of the church experience. I have also served on the local board of education in Blue Mound as well as the Meridian district. I served on both boards a combined 14 years. I have served as president of both boards a total of 5 years. During that time I have learned to work with many personality types and learned to create consensus among a groups with diverse ideas. I have also been on several teams that negotiated contracts with the staff.

I have served on many committees on the local Farm Bureau and have participated in several state conferences. I have also been involved with several charitable organizations in fund raising capacities as well as helping wherever needed. One thing I am especially honored to have participated in is being a Big Brother to a young man in Decatur. I hope my time spent with him has helped him to realize there is value to working hard and trying to make something of himself.

What is or what will be your policy concerning domestic abuse cases?

4. Domestic violence cases are a set of cases that have their own very distinct problems. Many times it involves husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend. In these cases, sometimes people let their emotions get the better of them. However as State's Attorney I have to follow the law as enacted by our legislature and also make sure that an innocent person does not come to even more harm down the road. As State's Attorney I will actively prosecute domestic violence cases that come across my desk. However that being said, I will look at each case and if a victim comes in later after the crime takes place and has second thoughts about prosecuting I will have a plan in place to deal with that. That victim will be required to make an appointment and there will be a discussion about a safety plan that could be enacted, discuss the elements or causes that led up to the dispute, as well as look to see if there were any children involved. These and many other issues must be looked at and discussed with the victim before there is any thought of not pursuing the case. Many times a victim wishes not to pursue because of economic issues or children or alcohol or drug involvement as well as number of other possible issues. But in the end the fact remains the violence against another person is against the law whether it is deserved or not.

Allan Lolie