Stutes seeks DA’s office in 15th District

Keith Stutes has officially announced his candidacy for the office of District Attorney, 15th Judicial District, serving the parishes of Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion.

His statement follows:

“I was born and grew up in the community of Scott, in Lafayette Parish. At that time, Scott was very much like the rural, agricultural towns to the west. Now, like so many of our communities, it’s gotten somewhat bigger.

“My father was a carpenter, farmer, school bus driver, and my mother was a beautician. From my parents, I learned the values of hard work, responsibility and honesty. My mother is still with us. She’s 84, very active. They are still a powerful influence in my life.

“I graduated from USL in 1973, and LSU Law School in 1976. My wife Carolyn and I have been married for 40 years. We have two grown daughters, who are married. We have three beautiful granddaughters. One of my main reasons for running, is for them.

“While I am not a particularly political person, I grew up in a Democratic family. I became a Republican when my oldest daughter registered to vote and suggested my conservative views are more aligned with that party. I believe that right is right, and wrong is wrong, regardless of political party.

“I served as an assistant district attorney for 28 years. I worked as a full-time felony prosecutor for 25 of those years, prosecuting murderers, rapists and those charged with ‘major crimes.’

“During that time, I keenly felt the responsibility involved in prosecuting major felony crimes and bringing criminals to justice. I feel responsibility to society and to the victims. 

“I saw clearly that the fair and impartial administration of justice is at the heart of our society and is a major key to growing communities that are desirable places to raise families and build businesses.

“So it was with a strong sense of regret that I retired early from the DA’s office in 2012. I realized that the leadership of the office had ceased to function properly and that I could not fix it in my role as an assistant district attorney. 

“I have decided to run for district attorney. I believe I have the experience, qualifications and commitment needed. I solemnly pledge that I will work hard and that I will bring the office of district attorney to its proper role in the fair and impartial administration of justice as an example of how our system is supposed to work.  

“Everyone benefits from the fair and impartial administration of justice. Likewise, everyone benefits when there is confidence in the integrity of the system. This confidence is the foundation of our society, and building communities that can prosper and thrive. Collapse of that confidence is a prime cause of communities that decline and fail.

“I’m not a politician, so I won’t be making political promises in this campaign.

“I simply pledge to do the job I am elected to do with diligence, and to the best of my ability.

“I will work with law enforcement and the courts to make our communities the safest and best they can be.

“I will be an active, hands-on district attorney. I will pay close attention to personnel matters. I will provide the leadership required for our prosecutors to be able to do their jobs effectively. I will work hard to make our district attorney’s office once again function the way it should.

“This is my personal pledge to you.

“I sincerely and humbly ask for your vote on November 4.”

To learn more about Stutes and his campaign, visit www.keithstutes.com.