Steve Brown to challenge Don Anderson for DA’s job
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the 2018 election year just around the corner, the race for district attorney is starting to take shape, with the incumbent to face a challenger.
On Tuesday, Kelseyville attorney Steve Brown announced that he will challenge two-term incumbent Don Anderson for the district attorney’s job next year.
“I am seeking the position of district attorney to restore confidence in the leadership of our Lake County District Attorney’s Office,” said Brown. “The people of Lake County deserve a DA who will work to enforce the law fairly and fight to secure justice for those who are victimized by criminals.”
Also on Tuesday, Anderson confirmed to Lake County News that he will definitely seek a third term in 2018.
“When I run, I’m going to run on my record,” and the achievements of his department of the past seven years, Anderson said.
Brown explained his reasons for challenging Anderson, who was first elected in 2010.
“Unfortunately, our current district attorney has fallen short of the expectations of Lake County citizens in prosecuting criminal cases,” Brown said. “Worse, in some instances, he is not prosecuting cases on the merits and is instead making sweetheart deals with criminal defendants based on his relationship with them or their attorney. The DA’s mismanagement of major felony cases is becoming more and more common.”
Asked for comment about Brown’s allegations about his record, Anderson said, “It’s hard to respond when he doesn’t cite any cases.”
Anderson added, “No deals are ever made based on any personal relationships,” and if there are personal relationships to defendants, his department has to be excluded and the State Attorney General’s Office has to take over.
He said cases are judged on their merits and the defendant’s history. “Everything we do is within our ethical standards.”
While Brown is suggesting Anderson is soft on crime, Anderson said later this month he’s set to receive the Prosecutor of the Year Award from the California Narcotic Officers' Association. Anderson said he’s receiving the award for his hard stance on drug-related crimes.
A long family history in Lake County
A fourth-generation Lake County resident, Brown currently works with a successful private practice law firm in Lakeport, where he handles criminal, civil and family law cases.
He previously served as a contract attorney for the Lake County Public Defender’s Office. In 2016, he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Lake County Fair Board.
Brown is the son of Rob Brown, the county supervisor representing District 5, which includes Kelseyville.
Steve Brown is a graduate of Kelseyville High School and William Penn College which he attended on a wrestling scholarship.
Brown earned his law degree at Empire Law School in Santa Rosa and served as a small claims court supervisor in 2007 and 2008 for Sonoma County. He and his wife Nikole have been married for 10 years and have three young sons.
“As our new district attorney, I will ensure that criminal cases are prosecuted fairly, aggressively and on the merits. I will build a stronger crime-fighting partnership with our county sheriffs, local city police departments, and state law enforcement agencies,” said Brown. “I will also establish the highest level of ethical standards for the Office and guarantee equal enforcement of the law for all citizens, with no favoritism given to anyone.”
A key law enforcement endorsement Brown has landed so far comes from Lake County Chief Probation Officer Rob Howe.
“I’ve known Steve Brown for many years. He is truly dedicated to protecting the safety of our families, homes and businesses. Steve’s leadership will make a huge difference in reducing crime and revitalizing the management of the District Attorney’s Office,” said Howe.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support for my candidacy throughout every part of our community,” said Brown. “The people of Lake County are eager for strong crime-fighting leadership from their District Attorney.”
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