Longtime Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson has decided to forgo seeking another term, and is instead endorsing his Chief Deputy Ryan Joslin. Haroldson said he’s been feeling like it’s the right time, and that the office is at a particularly good point for a transition.
“I have been blessed with 36 years in prosecution, and 17 years as the elected Benton County District Attorney. I am proud of the work we have accomplished for the community and am confident that we have developed a succession plan to continue with the same high level of service the office currently delivers. With our current staff, we are well positioned to preserve the high standards of professionalism our community deserves. I am profoundly grateful for the experiences I have shared with so many people over the course of my career as a criminal prosecutor.”
Haroldson, age 61, was appointed by the governor in 2007, and was first elected in 2008. Prior to taking the top spot, he served for five years as Benton County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney. Haroldson started his prosecutorial career in 1988 as an intern prosecutor for the City of Albany, and then later as a Linn County Deputy District Attorney.
Both the Oregon Crime Victims Assistance Network and the Oregon Humane Society have recognized Haroldson for excellence in prosecution. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Central Washington University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon.
Haroldson is the first Mexican-American to have served as a District Attorney in Oregon.
We Asked Haroldson Some Questions
Advocate: What are your future plans?
Haroldson: First, I plan to take a moment to breathe and reflect. I plan to spend quality time with my family. I will seek to work on projects that provide me with a great sense of purpose.
Advocate: What has been the most rewarding part of your work as a district attorney?
Haroldson: The pursuit of justice through the truth. Serving the public in this noble pursuit has been a great honor and exceptionally rewarding. In addition to the daily responsibilities that go with serving as District Attorney, I have sought to build an office that our community can confidently rely upon to uphold the standards of justice in Benton County. I am very proud of our office and the service we provide to our community.
Advocate: What have been some of the larger challenges?
Haroldson: Resources. Resources are finite and must be managed responsibly. I am proud that the Benton County District Attorney’s Office has consistently operated within its allocated budget. Still, there are greater fiscal challenges that impact critical system infrastructure and services, including an adequate jail facility and the need for more defense attorneys.
Advocate: What has being the DA taught you over the years?
Haroldson: Justice cannot be fully realized unless you have a community that cares. I believe Benton County is such a community, and we all benefit as a result.
Advocate: What do you believe is most important for the general public to think about as they choose their next DA?
Haroldson: I believe a long serving District Attorney has a responsibility to build a succession plan that provides the community with the opportunity to continue with the existing core values, competence, and standard of professionalism. This is a responsibility I have taken very seriously and believe we have succeeded in building a dependable succession plan.
Advocate: Who are you endorsing in the upcoming District Attorney’s race, and why?
Haroldson: I am endorsing my Chief Deputy District Attorney, Ryan Joslin. Ryan has 26 years of experience practicing criminal law in the State of Oregon, and has previously served two terms as an elected district attorney. He has meaningful experience in the full range of responsibilities that come with serving as district attorney. In addition, as a native-Oregonian who was born and raised in the Mid-Willamette Valley, Ryan shares the values and professionalism that are the hallmark of the Benton County District Attorney’s Office.
When asked about his candidacy to succeed Haroldson, Joslin said, “While serving as Chief Deputy District Attorney for the past nine years, I have benefited greatly from the mentorship of John Haroldson. Supported by an excellent team of attorneys and other professionals, I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established of professionalism, integrity and fairness in serving the people of Benton County.”
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