Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Kosciusko County's prosecutor addressed citizens and supporters Thursday night in the debate room at the Blue Lion Coffeehouse.
Kolbe talked about what he feels are the highlights of his three years in office as prosecuting attorney and described areas he would continue to work on if re-elected.
"The decision to make is what is the philosophy of the prosecutor and do you support that," Kolbe told voters.
Kolbe cited his trial skills in winning cases against child molesters, shooters and "Amish bashers." He held up the conviction of Kristina Crooks as "an example of the performance I think we deliver in the trials from our office."
He said he has fulfilled a promise he made in his first campaign to raise the level of child-support collected by his office. His office also became very involved in victim's assistance, hiring two full-time employees to work with people victimized by crimes.
The "Courtrooms to Classrooms" program headed by Rob Reneker is an idea supported by Kolbe to "teach kids how to stay out of the system and about values," Kolbe said.
When asked about problems between Kolbe and local police, he said, "There's no question. There's a degree of tension between my office and some police."
Kolbe attributes the tension to changes he put into place during his term "that have drawn fire."
"The prosecuting attorney must be separate and distinct from law enforcement," Kolbe said. He said although the prosecutor works partly as law enforcement supervisor, he also works in the judicial arena. He later said of the prosecutor's office, "We support police."
"I am a defender of principle," Kolbe said. "People who have trouble with that have trouble with me." He refused to talk about specific issues related to the police but did say the next sheriff will be key in re-organizing the drug task force.
Kolbe said he sees trouble with the current methods of investigation into drug dealers, and would like to use the Indiana State Police more to investigate drug matters.
"My concern is the principle by which we operate," Kolbe said. "I leave the challenge to the next sheriff."
For the next term, Kolbe said, "Kids need to be the emphasis, no matter who is in office. ... The system needs to take a look at what more we can do with kids."
The meeting was originally scheduled to be a dialogue between the three men running for prosecutor. But because the invitations were not received until Saturday, Dan Hampton and Charles Waggoner were unable to attend due to prior engagements.
Hampton, Waggoner and Kolbe have announced that they will attend a joint discussion hosted by the Taxpayers Action Network at City Hall. The date has not yet been set.
