Few prosecutors effective as Roe

The County Council will soon be making a decision on who to appoint as Snohomish County prosecuting attorney when Janice Ellis leaves. As a former victim advocate in the prosecutor’s office, now retired, I wholeheartedly endorse Mark Roe.

I have worked with Mark in the Special Assault Unit. Few other prosecutors have been as effective or as victim-oriented as Mark. It is important that the person leading the office have a knowledge of and a working relationship with all the victim advocacy groups in the county. Mark is that person. He serves on the board of Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims and is an invaluable resource for other victim advocates.

The Special Assault Unit, which Mark leads, is now housed at Dawson Place, a comprehensive child advocacy center. It was the dream of former Prosecutor Seth Dawson, and implemented by Janice Ellis. Mark has been on the ground floor establishing this wonderful place.

Mark has prosecuted and won many difficult felony cases such as homicide, rape, kidnapping, child molestation, etc. He has worked with and knows the detectives throughout the county. There will be no learning curve for Mark. He is, by far, the most qualified for the job. The other person mentioned for the job prosecutes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors in Seattle. Politics should not play a role in who is appointed.

Barbara Kusler

Snohomish