To further assist our readers in making educated decisions when voting in November, we have sent a list of questions to each candidate running for the State Attorney of Broward County.
Harold F. Pryor
- What is your full name?
Harold F. Pryor
2. Where are you originally from? Why did you choose to move to your current area?
We moved to the area because my wife and I wanted a sense of community and safety for our young family.
-How long have you been here?
3 years.
3. If elected, what is your first point of action?
To implement policies and practices that comport with the basic principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
-Why?
Far too often we have witnessed a criminal justice that sometimes neglects victims and the most vulnerable of our society. I am ready to change that as Broward County’s next State Attorney.
4. What mission do you feel most passionate about?
Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
-Why?
Many of our elderly citizens are targeted and we must do everything that we can to ensure that our elderly population can live and thrive in Broward County.
5. Where do you feel our city needs improvement?
Providing information, consistently, regarding health and safety to the masses.
-Why?
In order for us to have a safer community, we must ensure that information is distributed to the community on a consistent basis.
6. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest?
The sense or spirit of community.
-Why?
Many younger families are choosing to live in this area because of the charm and sense of community that it has to offer— which stands above the rest.
7. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in our town?
I plan to have quarterly townhalls to keep the community abreast as to developments within my office that will affect the community at-large.
8. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?
My evaluation or criteria will be based on the following: will it benefit the small businesses in our region and will it allow us to maintain a sense of community.
9. What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?
We spend a lot of time as a family, at The Walk on University. Great shops, dining, and my son’s favorite, ice cream!
Harold F. Pryor
Gregg Rossman
- What is your full name and what position are you running for?
Gregg Rossman. I am running to be the State Attorney for the 17th Circuit (Broward County).
2. Where are you originally from?
- Born in Miami, Florida and raised in what is now Miami Gardens.
3. Why did you choose to move to this city/county/school district/state district?
Presently, live in Hollywood. Moved back to South Florida after attending Florida State.
4. How long have you been here?
55 years other than attending college.
5. Why are you running for this position?
I am running to be the next State Attorney to ensure victims have a strong and steadfast representative within the justice system. I previously worked as an Assistant State Attorney here in Broward from October 3, 1994 to September 30, 2014. In those 20 years I worked in County Court (also as a Supervisor), the Felony Trial Unit (also as a Supervisor), the Career Criminal Unit (5 years), the Organized Crime Unit (2 years) and finally the Homicide Unit (7.5 years). In that time I fought unapologetically for victims and all those impacted by crime. No one cared more about the mission of the office than I did and that was widely recognized. Defendants/accused have a representative of their own. They do not need one in the State Attorney. It is the State Attorney’s responsibility to make sure that laws are enforced properly and effectively and that cases are prosecuted firmly but fairly. In doing so, the rights of victims must be first in the mind of every employee of the Office.
Have you run in the past?
Never.
6. If elected, what is your first point of action?
The first thing I will do is demand maximum commitment from every employee. Metrics must be created and understood to measure the effectiveness of each employee. Promotions will be earned on merit instead of tenure. I worked 20 years in the Broward State Attorney’s Office and not once was I evaluated for performance – good or bad. I was assigned as a Supervisor in both County Court and Felony and I was never asked to evaluate the people I was responsible for. They were never asked to evaluate my ability as a Supervisor.
-Why?
I worked 20 years in the Broward State Attorney’s Office and not once was I evaluated for performance – good or bad. I was assigned as a Supervisor in both County Court and Felony and I was never asked to evaluate the people I was responsible for. They were never asked to evaluate my ability as a Supervisor. People will rise up to the level of performance demanded of them when they understand what is expected of them and why. They will work harder if they know their work will be recognized and appreciated.
7. What mission do you feel most passionate about?
Abuse of the elderly/seniors. I will create a team made up of attorneys, investigators and support staff that will be solely responsible for wiping out the epidemic of elderly abuse and exploitation in this County.
-Why?
Shamefully Broward County is to elder abuse what we were to pill mills 10 years ago. This is an overlooked or ignored stain on our community. Law enforcement agencies need to be trained how to find and address these cases. My team will go to each Department and train them so they will have the tools needed to assist us in addressing this epidemic.
Gregg Rossman