Editorial: Endorsements for Macomb County prosecutor, sheriff, clerk, treasurer and public works

The Detroit News Editorial Board

For a guide to The Detroit News endorsements in all races so far, click here.

Michigan is thankfully moving away from a lock-'em-up approach to criminal justice to one that seeks to deter and rehabilitate.

That's a welcome shift for taxpayers who are overburdened paying for jail cells and for defendants who, with a little help, could spend their lives as productive citizens. 

State Sen. Pete Lucido, a Republican, has been a leader of the common sense criminal justice reforms now gaining steam in the Legislature.

Macomb County prosecutor candidate, Michigan Senator Peter Lucido at Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, Michigan on July 23, 2020.

He understands that treating the root causes of criminal activity, chief among them drug use and mental illness, will protect the community and result in fewer citizens behind bars.

That's why we believe Lucido will make an effective prosecutor for Macomb County.

He will also clean up a chronically corrupt office. This seat is open because the former prosecutor, Eric Smith, was charged with misusing county funds.

Lucido was disciplined by the Senate for insensitivity toward women. He has expressed regret and we believe he has learned his lesson. 

The Democrat in the race is former Macomb Circuit Judge Mary Chrzanowski, who is also well qualified.

But we believe Lucido is best suited to help implement the criminal justice reforms so vital to Michigan. 

In other countywide races, we endorse incumbent Anthony Wickersham, a Democrat for sheriff; Republican Anthony Forlini for clerk; incumbent Treasurer Larry Rocca, a Republican; and Candice Miller, the incumbent Republican county works commissioner. 

Endorsements are determined independently by The Detroit News Editorial Board and have no influence on news coverage.