DeVine, Egbert compete for prosecutor's seat
Editor's Note: To help our readers become more informed voters, The Clyde Enterprise will publish brief information on candidates in contested political races that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Candidates were sent questionnaires. Following is information on the two candidates running for Seneca County Prosecutor, incumbent Ken Egbert Jr., a Republican, and Derek DeVine, an independent.
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Derek W. DeVine, 40, resides at 22 Herrick Court, Tiffin. He is an attorney in the Lange & DeVine Law Offices.
DeVine graduated from the University of Evansville with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1990. He graduated from Ohio Northern University's College of Law in 1993.
DeVine is married to Anne and they have a daughter, Erin, 6. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tiffin; the Knights of Columbus; Elks; and is a board member of the community Hospice and Tiffin Mercy Health Foundation.
Why are you seeking the office?
"Seneca County needs an effective and efficient county prosecutor's office. I want to fill that need," said DeVine.
What are top three goals if elected?
"First, we have to increase the effectiveness of criminal prosecution in Seneca County. Second, we have to quit wasting money on out-of-town lawyers to represent the county in lawsuits and to do the work the prosecutor was elected to do. Finally, we need to re-establish the concepts of personal relationships with elected officials and citizens," said DeVine.
How will you work to accomplish them?
"I will work directly with city prosecutors and law enforcement personnel to insure that criminal cases are processed quicker and more efficiently. City prosecutors in both Tiffin and Fostoria are screaming out for improving this relationship. Second, I will represent the county if it gets sued instead of wasting taxpayer money to hire out-of-town attorneys. Seneca County has spent over $140,000 on out-of-town attorneys on the courthouse cases. The Prosecutor should represent the county in these types of cases. Third, I will be a full-time and full-service prosecutor. I will act as counsel for elected officials and treat everyone with respect," said DeVine.
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Ken Egbert Jr., 44, resides at 379 Coe St., Tiffin. He has been the Seneca County Prosecutor since 1999.
Egbert graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1982 (cum laude), and received his bachelor of arts degree from The Ohio State University in 1986 (cum laude). He received his juris doctor degree in 1989 from the University of Toledo College of Law.
Egbert is married to Dawn and they have two children, Kirsten, 6, and Faith, 3.
He is a member of the First Lutheran Church, Tiffin; Krout Elementary School PTO; Seneca County Farm Bureau (associate member); Seneca County Township Association (associate member); Tiffin Kiwanis Club; Tiffin Shrine Club; Tiffin YMCA (board member); Tiffin Business Booster; and was a past board member of the First Step Domestic Violence of Fostoria Area; and was elected to the Tiffin Charter Review Commission (1991, vice chair).
Why are you seeking the office?
"To continue to enforce our laws on behalf of the people of Seneca County. To continue to hold criminals accountable in court for the crimes they commit. To seek justice for victims and pursue tough sentences for violent offenders, drug dealers, child molesters and repeat offenders," said Egbert.
What are top three goals if elected?
"Seek stiffer sentences to protect the community from criminals who work together. Place increased emphasis on the prosecution of child molesters and violent sex offenders. Inform parents more about computer-facilitated sex crimes and other criminal offenses perpetrated over the Internet," said Egbert.
How will you work to accomplish them?
"Charge a greater variety of corrupt activity offenses against persons who engage in organized criminal activities. I have a 100 percent conviction rate - 17 out of 17 - for drug dealers sentenced to 193 years in prison for corrupt drug activity in Seneca County. Work closely with local law enforcement in the investigation of sex crimes and advocate training to enhance investigative skills. Provide greater educational materials and resources to parents to learn about threats associated with the Internet," said Egbert.
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