Pierce, Dobbs Square Off For Second Time

Dobbs
Dobbs

There are two Republican candidates for the position of McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney in the Aug. 5 Primary Election. There are no Democrat candidates for the office.

So that voters can become better acquainted with the candidates, The McDonald County Press mailed information sheets to both men -- Jonathan Pierce, the incumbent, and Bill Dobbs, a long-time Newton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Pierce narrowly defeated Dobbs in the 2010 election.

(1) List name of family members and number of grandchildren, etc.

Dobbs: I live on Elk River near Ginger Blue, with my wife of 40 years, Karen (Andrews) Dobbs. We have six children, Erin (Willis-Farmer), Emmy (Doung), Allie (Wakefield), Spencer Dobbs, Nathan Dobbs and Chris Dobbs. My wife is a retired social worker who handled caseloads throughout McDonald, Newton and Jasper counties during her career. Our daughter, Erin, is an attorney in Pineville; Emmy is a middle school art teacher in Fayetteville; Allie is a school-based psychologist in Springdale; Spencer is the safety officer for Mercy Health Systems in Joplin; and Nate and Chris both live and work in Joplin. We currently have 10 grandchildren, and are expecting our 11th in February, 2015.

Pierce: Melanie Pierce (wife); Ellie Pierce (daughter); new baby due in November

(2) What is your educational background?

Pierce: McDonald County High School, graduated 1998; Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Associate of Applied Science, graduated 2000; University of Arkansas, B. S. degree majoring in Agricultural Education, Communication and Technology, graduated 2003; University of Arkansas School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), graduated 2007

Dobbs: Growing up in Goodman, I attended grades 1-8 there, and graduated from Neosho High School in 1972. I graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State) in 1976 with a B.S. degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology. In 1978, I attended Central Missouri State University pursuing a M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. After serving as a counselor and facility manager with the state of Missouri, Division of Youth Services from 1979-1987, I was named Chief Juvenile Officer of McDonald and Newton counties and served in that capacity until 1995. At that time, I attended the University of Tulsa College of Law and obtained my Juris Doctorate in 1997.

(3) List your qualifications and experience.

Dobbs: In 14 years as a prosecutor I have been responsible for the prosecution of sexually based cases, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect and serious crimes-against-persons. I also carry a regular caseload involving traffic and DWI cases and felony and misdemeanor drug cases. It is the absolute responsibility of the prosecutor to address victims' needs within the context of the "bigger picture." No victim should ever feel abandoned by the prosecutor, or the "system." Extensive trial experience (over 100 jury and 2,500 bench trials) lends a decided advantage to the successful resolution of cases. I have handled hundreds of traffic and DWI cases and collected over $1.3 million in checks and restitution in the past 3.5 years alone. I have twice been named M.A.D.D. of Southwest Missouri's "Outstanding Prosecutor" and been named as the Neosho Daily News' "Reader's Choice Attorney" for 2014. Prosecution is about results. I have consistently produced results with a conviction rate at jury trial of over 87 percent and a conviction rate at bench trials of nearly 100 percent. More importantly, I have been able to successfully assist victims of serious and tragic crimes to begin to heal and to feel that justice has been served.

Pierce: I began my term as McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney on Jan. 1, 2011, and during that time, I have gained valuable experience in the prosecution of criminal cases and in the administration of the office of the McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney. As the elected prosecutor, I handle all types of criminal prosecution, including: all felonies, misdemeanors, DWIs (driving while intoxicated) and traffic offenses. I have prosecuted nearly 400 DWI cases during my term with a 95 percent conviction rate and collected more than $672,000 in restitution for merchants and victims. During my term, I have served as a board member of the Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force, which is tasked with the investigation of illicit drugs. I currently serve as the chairman of the board of directors of that group, which services McDonald and Barry counties. I am also serving as a member of a statewide committee tasked with the policy and procedure development for a police officer phlebotomy program, which will allow for fast and effective blood draws for DWI suspects who refuse to provide a breath sample, which will in turn aid in the successful prosecution of DWI cases.

(4) What are your reasons for seeking public office?

Pierce: I was born and raised in McDonald County, and my wife, Melanie, and I continue to live in McDonald County and raise our family here. I want to continue to serve as the McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney because this county and the people here are important to me. I want to continue my service in order to help ensure that citizens of McDonald County along with future generations, including my children, are safe. As with any elected official, a prosecuting attorney should carry out his or her duties with integrity and honesty, and if reelected, I will continue to serve McDonald County with integrity and honesty.

Dobbs: I am seeking the office of Prosecuting Attorney because the citizens of our county have been ill-served by the current prosecutor. Victims are being abandoned. Criminals are going unpunished. My opponent has never won a jury trial, including multiple homicides, sexual crimes and others. I have been contacted at my office in Newton County on several occasions during this term by victims seeking assistance that was not being provided by our current McDonald County prosecutor. Our county is growing and advancing at a steady pace. We have wonderful people, resources and schools. The county voted to make the prosecuting attorney a full-time position in the hopes of improving upon the legacy of part-time prosecutors. Unfortunately, our current prosecutor has the worst record of any prosecutor who has served in the past 40 years. With experienced, efficient and effective prosecution, we will have safer communities and a stronger County.

(5) What are your political views and philosophy?

Dobbs: I am a Conservative. I believe in limited government intrusion into our daily activities, protection of individual rights and personal responsibility. I believe that for each and every action there is a consequence, and that it is our individual responsibility to consider each in every decision made. The office of the prosecuting attorney must be for the people. The prosecutor must have the insight and skills to properly assess the facts, the law and the individuals involved in order to seek a resolution that is just and fair. The proper interpretation and application of the law is essential in order that justice may be served. Knowledge of the law is a requirement. Knowledge of people is essential. Government on any level must be focused on outcomes that are just and proper in the circumstances. Government must serve the people, rather than expect the people to serve government regardless of whether it is on the national, state or local level.

Pierce: I am a Republican and I have conservative values and views. I believe that our government, at any level, should be run by honest, hard-working representatives and officials who have the best interest of the citizens in mind.

Community on 07/31/2014