The elusive Barbara LaStoneWall showed up for an August 16 Candidates’ Forum sponsored by Citizens for Picture Rocks, a 501(c)(4) community group. The LaStoneWall spoke to over 60 people, as did her huntsman, Joel Feinman. LaStoneWall is seeking re-election as Pima County Attorney, a position she’s held for 20 years. Criminal trial lawyer Feinman has been trying to get LaStoneWall to appear jointly and debate, but the incumbent has refused until now. Both candidates are on the Democratic primary ballot August 30.
LaStoneWall proudly trumpeted her accomplishments, telling the rural audience that she has “worked tirelessly and relentlessly as a public servant.” She said that several times, “tirelessly and relentlessly.” That came after “twenty years of sacrifice and hard work” before she became Pima County Attorney. And, she said, “I’ve done an exemplary job!…I’ve done some really great things for this county!…My programs have produced exceptional results.”
Her huntsman took sharp aim at LaStoneWall, and at a justice system that puts ever more people in prison even as the crime rate drops. Feinman, a former public defender, said that “more than 20 percent of the people in prison are there for non-violent drug-related crimes.” He argued that the $130 million spent on the Pima County jail is better spent on “roads, education and infrastructure.”
“The only way to free up that money is by not putting everyone in jail!” Feinman declared. “There are more people in prison for pot possession than for domestic violence.” LaStoneWall took issue with Feinman’s statistics, adding that she has “developed a unique drug treatment alternative to prison.” It doesn’t actually exist yet, however, and Feinman noted that the incumbent “filed more non-violent drug offenses than any other charge.” LaStoneWall said Arizona law required it.
Both candidates opposed the use of private prisons, but disagreed strongly on the issue of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Feinman said “stoners” are not arrested on domestic violence or robbery charges while LaStoneWall said that “fifty percent of drug-addicted babies in Colorado (where recreation marijuana is legal) are addicted to pot.” Feinman argued that the money spent keeping stoners in prison would be better spent on schools and drug treatment programs. LaStoneWall responded that she has “creative and unique ways to reduce juvenile detention” and that her programs “have exceptional results.” She said she just won a grant to plan a behavioral health treatment center.
Also appearing at the forum was Pima County Sheriff candidate Mark Napier, running in the Republican primary against Terry Staten, who was unable to attend. The victor on August 30 will face incumbent Democrat Chris Nanos in December. The discussion was moderated by former State Representative Jennifer Burns, who represented the rural community in Phoenix.
Citizens for Picture Rocks will host another forum on September 20, again at Picture Rocks Community Center at 6:30 p.m. C4PR president Pam Mosely said that one will feature candidates for District 3 county supervisor and candidates for contested state offices.