David O. Leavitt
David O. Leavitt is a Republican Party candidate for Utah County Attorney in the November 2018 Election, Utah County, Utah.
David O. Leavitt has been the City Attorney for both Nephi, and Fillmore and served as Juab County Attorney for 8 year.[1] He lost re-election as Juab County Attorney in 2002 by a slim margin, and it has been suggested that his successful prosecution of a polygamist, Tom Green for bigamy, criminal nonsupport, and child rape, may have contributed to his loss. He has stated, "if I had thought I would lose the election if I prosecuted Tom Green, I would do it again."[2] Founded, along with his wife, the Leavitt Institute for International Development, which describes itself as being dedicated to spreading democracy, ethics, and the rule of law in developing nations.[3]
He has asserted that the county attorney's office needs to attend more to the civil side of the law. Indicated that he did not run last term because his wife was finishing up a Doctorate in Pennsylvania, and he was not living in state. Regarding the office's budget, he has asserted that the County Attorney's office needs to do more with less. He has asserted that the biggest problem in Utah County is the opioid crisis and that the current County Attorney is not being creative enough in coming up with solutions.[4]
David O. Leavitt is brother to former Utah Governor, Mike Leavitt.
Ran for Utah's 3rd Congressional District Seat in 2007.[5]
We had the opportunity to speak with David O. Leavitt at a delegate event in March. Regarding the prosecution of Tom Green, he indicated that he had promised the women involved that he would not take their children from them and that he had needed to push back against some pressure in order to keep that promise. He said that you've "got to make sure that when you're prosecuting someone you're not making society worse" and also, "you've got to hold people accountable for their role in society." When asked about whether he disagrees with anything County Attorney's office has done, he indicated that he had an issue with the handling of the Conrad Truman[6] case. He indicated that he felt that some dubious testimony had been given that should not have been allowed and that the County Attorney's office should have not relied upon. He indicated that "the County Attorney needs to be elected by the people because if it's an appointed position, then the person that appointed you is the one that controls you." He also stated "I would never trust government to do anything without a warrant." Regarding the opioid epidemic, he indicated that more needs to be done to go after doctors.[7]
External Resources
- David O. Leavitt - Wikipedia
- David Leavitt - Flickr
- People - The Leavitt Firm
- Jessica Miller, "Utah County attorney won't run for re-election", Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Jan 2018
- Geoff Liesik, "Charges dismissed against Mormon bishop accused of not reporting sex abuse", Deseret News, 10 May 2012
- Geoff Liesik, "Attorney for LDS bishop calls mugshot unconstitutional", KSL, 6 Mar 2012
References
- ↑ "David Leavitt announces his intent to run for Utah County Attorney", Utah Policy, 16 Jan 2018
- ↑ Tad Walch, Donald W. Meyers, "David Leavitt loses election for Juab County attorney", Daily Herald, 7 Nov 2002
- ↑ The Leavitt Institute for International Development
- ↑ Lisa Anderson, "Meeting County Attorney Candidate David O. Leavitt", Lindon 04 Precinct Delegate Political Ponderings, 31 Mar 2018
- ↑ Bob Bernick Jr., "Money no problem for GOP's Leavitt", Deseret News, 22 Oct 2007
- ↑ Kurt Hanson, "Conrad Truman acquitted in second murder trial", Daily Herald, 24 Feb 2017
- ↑ Notes on statements made by David O. Leavitt at a delegate event.