How did Brizzi get put in front of a flag that was strikingly similar to his logo, and Kennedy got to stand in front of a giant WISH logo the entire time? ... Just wondering. IndyStar:
Carl Brizzi, the Republican incumbent, painted Melina Kennedy, his Democratic challenger, as a candidate lacking adequate prosecutorial or courtroom experience for the job.
Brizzi, Kennedy said, has overseen lower conviction rates in several areas, including domestic violence. She is ready to fill a leadership vacuum, she said.
In just over four weeks, voters will decide between the two in the area's highest-profile race. Sunday night's 30-minute debate on WISH (Channel 8) was the first of four scheduled.
On the experience question, Kennedy cited her background in civil litigation, as a clerk for the Indiana Supreme Court and as deputy mayor. But Brizzi said she would create an experience void at the top of the prosecutor's office.
"Every day, young prosecutors in my office come up to the sixth floor to ask for my advice," said Brizzi, who was a deputy prosecutor under his predecessor, Republican Scott Newman. "Being on the front lines and trying these cases makes all the difference in the world."
Kennedy cited Stephen Goldsmith, Indianapolis' former mayor. He earlier became prosecutor without having worked in the office. Leadership is more important in a large county prosecutor's office, she said.
"I agree (Brizzi has) very good experience," Kennedy said. "But I think when something's just not working, having someone coming in with a fresh perspective is the way to go."
The candidates agreed on several issues: Overcrowding in the Marion County Jail has stopped, but more efforts are needed. The death penalty should be used only for "the worst of the worst." Marijuana should stay illegal.
And the office should serve as a watchdog over state government, no matter the politics.
