The right stuff

It's a big job — district attorney for the 8th Prosecutorial District.

And it is not the prestige, the notoriety or the media attention that makes it so.

The district attorney is the keeper of the law — the person whose primary purpose is to make sure justice is handled properly in Greene, Wayne and Lenoir counties.

So when choosing the right person for the job, it is not about personality. It is not about camera presence. It is not even about community involvement — although that is an attribute that should be present in anyone who stands for elected office.

It is about choosing the person who has the most experience and the most success.

And in this case, in this year, the right choice for the job is Matthew Delbridge.

It is not because he is running as a Republican — that does not matter here. And it should not matter as you choose where you will put your “X” on Election Day. This job should NEVER be about politics or decided because of a party affiliation or “straight ticket.”

There is a reason you have heard Delbridge's name associated with so many high-profile murder cases in this county.

He is the county's top prosecutor.

It says something about the man that he was uncomfortable touting his achievements — and that he looked for someone else to take the job first.

He is focused on what is important — serving the people in the courtroom. And that requires skills that don't lend themselves to the promises and alliances of campaigning.

He says he owes no one — and that is exactly what we want and need in the District Attorney's Office.

And that, thank goodness, has been what we have had there for more than a decade under the leadership of Branny Vickory, who has decided not to run again.

Make no mistake. This is no glad-handing politician's job. People's lives are in your hands — and there are victims to speak for who cannot be there to demand the justice they are due.

It is a job that, done right, goes home with you sometimes, and makes you think about life and the scales of justice often.

You see the worst of the world — and, sometimes, the best of it.

It is a job where you don't set the laws, but you have to enforce them, to the best of your ability — even when it is hard.

It requires honesty, integrity and a determination not to be jaded, biased or to ever forget that the law is the law.

And someone who will do it right understands the enormous responsibility and the all-consuming nature of the job.

It is calling — if there ever was one.

Anyone who does not think long and hard about taking on such a responsibility isn't ready to have it.

Delbridge is ready — and appropriately humbled by the prospect of representing the county and district he loves and has served for more than three decades.

He is not flashy. He is not a publicity hound. He does not seek attention for the work he does — yet he has been the voice for literally thousands of victims from all walks of life. He has spoken for them with eloquence, compassion and a determination to seek justice.

And those are the qualities we need in a district attorney — and an experience we cannot afford to lose.

Delbridge knows there will be additional responsibilities that come with his new role — and he will address them with the same class, integrity and skill he has shown as senior assistant district attorney. And he can lead others to the same success.

He is the man to continue what has been a storied legacy in the District Attorney's Office.

And that has never been more important than it is right now — just pay attention to the crime reports.

We need a leader who will speak for our community and who will lead with an unimpeachable integrity and an eye for what really matters.

That is Matthew Delbridge.

Published in Editorials on October 19, 2014 7:02 PM