Robin Davis, Candidate For Merrimack County Attorney

Robin Davis

Age (as of Election Day)

51

Position Sought

Merrimack County Attorney

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband, Joseph Davis

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

JD

Occupation

Attorney 22

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Merrimack County Attorney

Campaign website

pending

Why are you seeking elective office?

Safer and stronger communities through accountability and treatment.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Crime as a result of substance use disorders. I think there needs to be accountability for the criminal behavior but the issue(s) that led up to the criminal behavior also need to be effectively addressed. If a person is provided resources and structure to address his/her underlying issues the criminal behavior can be deterred. Alternative sentencing can achieve this. Alternative sentencing can also allow non-violent people to continue to work, live and parent their children while make changes in their lives. This benefits the person and their family and is a cost effective way to address their issues. Incarceration is not the only option and it is not the best option for changing a person's behavior.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference between myself and my opponent is experience. I have been handling felony cases for more than twenty years. I have spent my entire career analyzing felony cases and doing jury trials in the Superior Court. I have worked with the Merrimack County House of Corrections and the NH State Prison and understand how these facilities operate and what services they have to offer. I have worked with alternative sentencing programs like Pre-trial Services, Diversion, Drug Court, Mental Health Court and SOAR. I understand the lack of treatment facilities and other resources needed to address the issues underlying criminal behavior. As the current County Attorney, I have provided leadership and support to the prosecutors and other members of my office . I have engaged the Pre-trial Services Program and the Diversion program, to enhance their programming. I am a member of the Mental Health Commission trying to find better ways to serve folks in the criminal justice system who suffer from mental illness. I have worked hard to partner with the police departments in the County to make sure we are keeping out communities safe through effective prosecution.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I would like to continue to work with agencies that provide mental health services, substance treatment and medical care so those services are readily available to folks before they engage in criminal behavior to reduce crime. I would also like to provide preventive programming for New Americans so they can understand the laws and societal expectations and avoid behaviors that may get them arrested.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked in social services. I have a broad perspective on how people become involved in the criminal justice system and how best to resolve their cases using a variety of options. This helps the individual to move forward in a positive way and makes them a better community member which in turn makes it more likely that they will not re-offend.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

How do you eat an elephant? Small bites.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a veteran. I served in the United State Army at Fort Hood, Texas. I attended Keene State College the GI Bill and later attended law school at Franklin Pierce Law Center aka UNH Law.