My name is Scott Brinkmeier, Carroll County state’s attorney, and I am seeking re-election to this position. A resident of Carroll County for more than 39 years, I attended Lanark schools, and it was always a dream of mine to work as a prosecutor. After graduating from law school and unable to find an opening with a prosecuting agency, I accepted a job with a small law firm.

I was offered the position as an assistant state’s attorney with the Whiteside County state’s attorney’s office in February 1993. It was the first opportunity to pursue my dream of being a prosecutor, allowing me to be in court every day handling all types of criminal cases.

A prosecutor has the burden of proving a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt before any punishment can be imposed by the court. I prosecuted my first misdemeanor jury trial in June 1993, and handled my first felony jury trial in October 1993.

I continued to work as an assistant state’s attorney through November 2000, and tried numerous criminal jury trials and more than 100 criminal bench trials. I was given the opportunity to handle juvenile cases, advise the county board and officials, and supervise two other misdemeanor assistant state’s attorneys.

This experience and background, and encouragement from law enforcement members, led me to first run for Carroll County state’s attorney in 2000. I have been blessed to serve as Carroll County state’s attorney and continue to be responsible for handling all of the most serious criminal cases within the county.

I have more than 19 years of prosecutorial experience and am the only candidate who has experience prosecuting felony jury trials. I have the support and excellent working relationship with law enforcement agencies in Carroll County. I provide regular legal training seminars for local police officers and prepare them to testify at trial. I am on call and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week if they have a legal question concerning a criminal matter or need to obtain a search warrant or electronic overhear.

My accomplishments include: Riverview Center “Above & Beyond” award, 2001; assisting with formation of Carroll County Juvenile Justice Council; applying for and obtaining a federal grant to fund a part-time victim’s assistant position; establishing a Carroll County Victim Impact Panel; and holding regular legal seminars for local law enforcement officers. My office had the second highest felony conviction rate and the highest percentage of sentences to the Department of Corrections among convicted felons for the 15th Judicial Circuit.

I am running for re-election because I truly love my job and the different challenges that arise daily. I have found it very rewarding and gratifying to obtain justice for victims of crimes and hold those accountable who have broken the law. I was taught that, as a prosecutor, the goal is always to seek justice, and I have tried to live by that philosophy.

It is with this experience, dedication and commitment to the citizens of Carroll County that I ask for their vote in the Republican primary on March 20.