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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Salt Lake County District Attorney Lohra Miller's first year in office has included quite a bit of change.
Since Miller's administration began in January, 15 attorneys in the county prosecutor's office have resigned, offering various reasons. That's 17 percent of the 88-person staff, and 10 were felony prosecutors.
Miller, who was elected last year to replace David Yocom, said resignations are part of the changeover process. Some of the attorneys who quit cited a lack of leadership by Miller, who suggested that some supported her opponent in the 2006 election and may still resent her politically.
"The fact we have some disgruntled workers, who leave and then cast aspersions on the office, minimizes what these dedicated prosecutors do on a daily basis," Miller said. "No doubt, the office is better off without that kind of negativity."
Miller said the county office is often a training ground for young attorneys, who move on to other jobs. She said she has hired 12 new prosecutors, including three with experience in felony cases.
Critics noted during the election that Miller never tried a felony case as a city prosecutor. Miller still hears the same criticism, but says the county office is about administration and defended the changes she has made.
"The office is headed in a very positive direction," Miller said. "We will always have some imbalance, but we're reaching equilibrium . . . and our community will continue to be safe."
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
