The upcoming election for Washtenaw County Prosecutor involves Democratic incumbent Brian Mackie and Republican challenger Kirk Tabbey, two men with backgrounds of experience, but each in his own forte.
Mackie, who has been prosecutor since 1992, said he has targeted areas including domestic violence and career criminals, with an emphasis on combating criminals that affect people's essential well-being, such as rapists and sex offenders.
"I have done all the things I promised to do," he said. "I am extremely proud of the staff I have."
Tabbey, who is chief trial attorney for Jackson County, specializes in high-tech crimes, with an expertise in such areas as computer and telecommunications fraud, embezzlement and trespassing.
"I'm not a politician, but I do know law enforcement, I do know prosecution, and I do know criminal justice - the whole system," said Tabbey, who received his law degree from Wayne State University in 1981. "I can run this office well."
If re-elected, Mackie said he will continue in the same basic direction, while improving his existing divisions to serve the community, especially those most vulnerable.
"I'm staying positive," he said.
Mackie, who also received his law degree from Wayne State University, said the civil division of his office has been very efficient. The division helps unwed parents receive child support and, in the past, has helped about 6,000 kids, he said. "We are extremely proud of that."
Tabbey said he has a great deal of training and knowledge to bring to the prosecutor's office. He has an extensive background in computer and telecommunications crime investigation and prosecution.
"I am definitely going to improve the administration of the office," Tabbey said. "I will be more aggressive than (Mackie) is."
Tabbey describes Mackie as a "fine trial attorney" and a "fine individual" and that Mackie "does a lot of good work, but he still is not as aggressive as he could be."
As far as prosecution, Tabbey said he will not be "timid."
He claims that Mackie denies a lot of cases that could be tried, suggesting that not everyone receives their day in court.
Mackie begs to differ. "No ethical prosecutor can charge every case that is brought to our office," Mackie said.