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Richard Piatt ReportingProsecuting crime in Salt Lake County is a non-partisan job, but the chief prosecutor's job is very much a part of politics in Salt Lake County and that makes the race for a new District Attorney a contest with a lot of interest.
For 16 years, Democrat David Yocum has been Salt Lake County's District Attorney. It's been a controversial run at times, but now it's time for someone new, which means a hard-fought political race.
You may not know the District Attorney Candidates by sight, but their signs are popping up everywhere in Salt Lake County and their first names might attract your attention.
"My name is Simerteith, but I go by Sim Gill, it's a lot easier..."
Lohra--with an 'h'-- Miller
"Lohra, it's a family name. I'm named after my aunt Lohra,,,"
along with Libertarian candidate Rob Latham. It is a three-way race for the first new Salt Lake DA in 16 years. All three are in a partisan race for a very non-partisan job, prosecuting crime and civil cases. Their struggle is to set themselves apart from each other.
Lohra Miller, (R) Candidate For S.L. District Attorney: "The democrats have had this office for many years and want to retain it. But when it goes that long I think the candidates lose sign of the issues the candidates stand for and the differences they bring to the office."
Sim Gill, (D) Candidate for S.L. District Attorney: "What this is really about is a very serious job about serious crime. And when that harm touches home, we want to make sure you elect someone who can get this job done."
Rob Latham, (L) Candidate for S.L. District Attorney: "Where Salt Lake County has a jail overcrowding problem, libertarians would focus on crimes where real criminals create real victims."
For years, current DA David Yocum has been accused of injecting politics into the DA's office, most notably in the case of ex-county mayor Nancy Workman who was acquitted of criminal charges. Now, the new main party candidates want to get back to basics.
Lohra Miller, (R) Candidate For S.L. District Attorney: "After 15 years of working as a prosecutor, I have become increasingly frustrated at what's gone on in the district attorney's office."
Sim Gill, (D) Candidate for S.L. District Attorney: "It's not about continuing anything. It's about bringing to the office the experience and the passion and to get the job done."
