Flaherty To Run For DA Office

BEND, OR -- For the first time in over 15 years, the Deschutes County District Attorney's race will be contested. Patrick Flaherty has announced that he will challenge Mike Dugan in the May election.

"I believe that the DA's office should be about justice, not politics. I think it's time for a change. I think our community is entitled to a district attorney whose view of justice is consistent with our community view."

Flaherty, a guest on Wake Up Bend! Tuesday morning. He said the DA role, while not glamorous, dictates the community's sense of justice.

"He/she is responsible for administering justice, it is the DA that decides whether or not to file criminal charges, and if so, which criminal charges to file. And that has a huge impact on how justice is administered in our community."

If either Flaherty or Dugan receives a majority of votes in May's election, they win the DA seat. If there are several candidates, the top two vote getters will move on to the general election in November.

If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.