By SALINA POST
In the days leading up to the Aug. 6 Primary Election, check Salina Post for profiles introducing the community to the candidates running for public office.
The Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information, initiatives they hope to champion, and changes they would like to see made.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
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Head over to the City-County Building at 300 W Ash St to cast your vote early!
🗓️ Schedule:
Mon-Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, Aug 3: 9 AM - 4 PM
Monday, Aug 5: 8 AM - 12 PM
Get ahead of the crowd and avoid the Election Day rush. Saline County’s friendly election workers are ready to assist you.
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Personal Background
Full Name: John A. Reynolds
Age: 68
Current Occupation: Attorney at Law
Educational Background:
Salina Central High School - 1973
Kansas Law Enforcement Academy - 1978
Kansas Wesleyan - 1979
Washburn School of Law - 1988
Professional Experience:
Law Enforcement: 1977-1985
Legal Services for Prisoners, Inc. 1986-1988
Sweet & Boyer Law Firm: 1988-1992
Reynolds Law Office, P.A.: 1992-2004
Bibler, Newman & Reynolds Law Firm: 2004-2008
Reynolds Law Office, P.A.: 2008-present
Previous Political Experience: 1992 Candidate for County Attorney, 2008-2012 Saline County Commissioner
Legal and Professional Qualifications
Legal Background and Experience:
I began practicing law in 1988 with Sweet & Boyer in Salina, a general practice where I supported other attorneys. Mr. Sweet was primarily a criminal defense attorney, while Mr. Boyer focused on civil law. I left Sweet & Boyer in 1992 to run for County Attorney.
After losing that race, I practiced mostly criminal defense and juvenile law. In 2004, I joined Alan Bibler and Billy Newman in forming Bibler, Newman, and Reynolds, with offices in Topeka, Wichita, and Salina. In 2008, I returned to private practice and ran for the Saline County Commission. Since then, I have maintained a private practice, concentrating on civil matters and representing small businesses. Over 36 years, I have handled criminal cases at all levels, juvenile law for 20 years, and probate, domestic, and civil cases.
Education/Course work
Have you ever been disciplined by any bar association or other professional regulatory body? If so, please explain.
NO
Do you have experience in both Prosecution and Defense?
Yes, I have worked as a special prosecutor for the City of Lindsborg and represented criminal defendants in private practice, trying over 200 criminal cases to juries alone.
Vision and Goals
Why are you running for County Attorney?
I am a lifelong resident of Salina, having raised my family here, and now have grandchildren I wish to see grow and live here. I am thoroughly invested in my community and wish to see it prosper.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Resolve internal strife in the County Attorney's office.
2. Maintain fiscal responsibility.
3. Provide outstanding legal service to Saline County citizens.
How do you plan to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the county attorney's office?
Maintain weekly staff meetings and rearrange responsibilities within the staff.
What specific measures would you implement to reduce crime?
Incarceration
Community and Public Safety
How do you plan to address the opiod crisis and other drug-related issues in the county?
Work with social services and chemical dependency agencies, seek and prosecute violators, and promote specialty courts (drug court, behavior health court, and veterans court).
How will you ensure that all community members have fair access to justice?
Maintain impartiality and fairness.
How do you plan to address our community's recidivism and repeat offender rates?
Incarceration and promote nuclear family
Legal Philosophy and Approach
What is your philosophy on the county attorney's role in the criminal justice system?
To fairly assess facts and bring charges fitting to the activity
What is your approach to handling juvenile offenders?
Younger children may not have an established metric for right and wrong. Some leniency is warranted, however, continued bad behavior needs sanction.
Management and Administration
How will you ensure transparency and accountability within the county attorney's office?
Maintain clear expectations for each employee. Maintain a system that provides supervision for each employee.
What steps will you take to improve your staff's training and professional development?
Every employee must train for every job in the office. This cross training will disclose the abiliteis of the employees. As to the professional staff, the Kansas Supreme Court maintains base requirements for attorneys. Any specialized training is offered by state and national agencies in specific fields of interest.
How do you plan to manage the budget of the county attorney's office?
The bulk of this budget is staff-related. The county has a salary schedule to follow. I believe in exercising little-used techniques to resolve cases, i.e. specialty courts, mediation, etc.
What metrics will you use to measure the success of your office?
The accepted method is to measure the conviction rate. However, this can be deceptive as conviction is not necessarily the most effective outcome. The specialty courses are very effective with the intent to avoid prosecution and conviction. Since so much depends on the specific factual situation, the resolution looks differently.
Technology and Innovation
How do you plan to incorporate technology to enhance the operations of the county attorney's office?
The use of software in drafting pleadings and briefs is essential. Having the ability to integrate with the courts database is necessary.
Closing Questions
What sets you apart from your opponents in this race?
The length and breadth of my experience exceeds that of my opponents. I have a totally different perspective having served in every element of the process but for Court reporter or juror.
Contact Information
For more information about my campaign, contact Reynolds Law Office, P.A., 301 N. 9th, Salina, or call (785) 819-4709.