On Thursday, May 3, candidates for Suffolk County District Attorney engaged in a spirited debate before a standing-room-only crowd at Suffolk University Law School.
The forum was organized by Boston Wards 3, 4, and 5 Democratic committees alongside Suffolk Law School, Boston NAACP, MassVOTE, and the Mass. Dems Latino Caucus. Meghan Irons, social justice reporter for The Boston Globe, served as moderator.
Five candidates participated: Evandro Carvalho, a Massachusetts state representative from Dorchester; Attorney Linda Champion; Greg Henning, an assistant district attorney; Shannon McAuliffe, director at Roca, which works to disrupt cycles of poverty; and Rachel Rollins, Chief Legal Counsel to the Massachusetts Port Authority.
Rahsaan Hall, Director of the Racial Justice Program at the ACLU of MA, opened the event by noting that “About 77 percent of DA races go un-contested across the U.S.,”. He emphasized to the assembled audience that “What a Difference a DA Makes” and “There is a lack of opportunities for communities to engage but, this is what democracy looks like.”
According to Hall, most people lack awareness of what happens inside a DA’s Office and many don’t realize the position is elected.
“We are working to make sure the country and residents of Suffolk County are engaged and active,” Hall added.
The candidates each received 90 seconds to respond to questions and 30 seconds for rebuttals. Topics included whether candidates were too much of an insider or outsider to enact change, strategies for breaking cycles of repeat offenses, and plans to increase diversity within the office.
Champion outlined three priorities beyond safety: education, housing, and jobs. “When you have all of these things you can have an environment that everyone can feel safe,” she explained. “I’m in this race to focus on what is the problem and that’s the lives of our residents.”
Henning stated his vision as DA would center on protecting everyone and rebuilding community-law enforcement connections.
“I will not only ensure community policing to keep the streets safe but to help people to not to engage and re-engage with the justice system.”
According to Rollins, meaningful change requires more people of color and women in the justice system.
“To get fairness, equity and justice you need more diversity in the people that serves those decisions,” Rollins stated.
McAuliffe distinguished herself by highlighting her work at Roca, a nonprofit that redirects young adults at high risk of reoffending through job training and other support services.
“I’m the only one here that hasn’t worked for a job opening,” McAuliffe said, having challenged the current DA during the last election. “Reform needs a reformer, and that’s who I am.”
Carvalho emphasized that pursuing justice requires examining who holds decision-making power. He noted that decision-makers are predominantly white while those cycling through the DA’s office are largely people of color.
“I live in Dorchester and my constituents deal with it every day,” he stated. “They are trapped without help every day, and that has to change. As DA I will be sure to change things.”
Current DA Dan Conley announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election. Conley has served in the office since February 2002.
This marks the second open candidate forum of the year. The primary election for Suffolk County District Attorney is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 4, with the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 6.