The good news is that Colorado voters can’t go wrong in choosing between the two major party candidates for state attorney general.
Either Republican Cynthia Coffman or Democrat Don Quick would be a qualified and conscientious steward of the office.
But the edge goes to given his executive experience, demonstrated grit in taking on public corruption in Adams County and record of innovative ideas in fighting the root causes of crime.
Quick, 54, was a prosecutor for 26 years and was twice elected district attorney in Adams County. During his tenure, he went after county officials in what came to be known as the Quality Paving scandal.
The investigation resulted in in a scheme in which officials colluded with a paving company to take about $1.8 million in public money for work never completed.
In addition, Quick has significant experience in the attorney general’s office, having served as chief deputy under former Attorney General Ken Salazar.
Coffman, too, has experience in the attorney general’s office, having served for nearly 10 years as chief deputy to Attorney General John Suthers. Suthers is leaving the post due to term limits.
Coffman strikes us as a talented professional who has done a good job overseeing the varied functions of the office. However, Quick alone has been ultimately responsible to voters as a district attorney, and he has tried more than 100 cases, making him particularly qualified to decide whether to litigate or settle cases.
Quick’s innovative style has been on display in his approach to juvenile crime, where he has devised programs to keep youth productively occupied.
Though Quick has made a career of locking up bad guys, his inclination to solve problems before they become crimes can be applied to the many functions of the attorney general’s office.
Coloradans would be well-served by putting Quick in charge.
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