To the editor:

Before you vote reflexively for the Democratic candidate in the race for county prosecutor, take heed from this Democrat: this is one race where it would be best to cross party lines.

In the primary, 20-year incumbent Russ Hauge received just 37.5 percent of the vote. The closest challenger was Tina Robinson with 32.4 percent of the vote. The other candidates, Democrat and Independent, received the remaining 30 percent.

There’s no doubt that voters of all parties are looking for new leadership at the prosecutor’s office.

The incumbent’s personal conduct and management style have been the subject of news reports for years. Reports which reveal him as a bully, and an ineffective prosecutor who harasses citizens, ignores victims and prioritizes conviction stats over justice all to the detriment of both defendants and victims.

For these reasons, I’m supporting Tina Robinson for County Prosecutor. Yes, she’s a Republican; but there are times when competence and integrity must trump party allegiance.

While Hauge is severely lacking in the qualities essential to this critical, public office, Robinson, drawing upon her extensive experience as a public defender in Kitsap County, has demonstrated that she will make much needed reforms and will bring a new level of honesty and compassion to the office of prosecuting attorney.

It’s time for a breath of fresh air in what is now the stagnant atmosphere of the Prosecutor’s office. Vote for change, and vote for Tina Robinson for county prosecutor. We really do deserve better.

BOB SEABY

Bainbridge Island