I have read with interest the Spy’s coverage of various campaigns during this election season but have seen little about the two candidates for Talbot County State’s Attorney, Ellen Barry Grunden and Joseph Coale. As an attorney who has practiced throughout the state for over thirty years, I understand the importance of this position and have tried to educate myself about both candidates. I am familiar with Ellen Grunden’s work and reputation from my legal practice and as a full-time faculty member at the University of Baltimore School of Law, but I knew nothing about Joseph Coale until this race.
Ms. Grunden’s reputation, as I have observed over many years sending new lawyers to Talbot County to clerk in the Circuit Court or practice in local firms, is that of a strong but fair prosecutor. She is known statewide, and especially among family law practitioners, as an innovative thinker and successful advocate for neglected and abused children and survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Grunden’s 21-plus years in the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office (18 as Deputy State’s Attorney) will certainly benefit the citizens of our county. Her strong working relationships with law enforcement, Child Protection Services and other agencies who work with the State’s Attorney’s Office will make her an effective State’s Attorney from day one in office. She has expressed concerns about the rapid turnover of attorneys in the Office and has good ideas for reversing that trend. And her holistic approach to drug problems in the county—as well as her ideas about utilizing more prosecutors to handle the heavy caseloads in District Court—make good sense.
I have not seen Mr. Coale on the campaign trail or at any community events but recently read an interview with him in the Star Democrat. His ideas about improving the Office reflect the well-meaning but somewhat naïve ideas of someone with just over two years’ experience in the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office. He wants to take more cases to trial and require a second chair (additional attorney) for all major felony trials. These seem like odd priorities in a county where we fortunately have a relatively low rate of criminal activity that would be classified as major felonies. Moreover, these do not seem to be realistic or sound reforms for an office with just six attorneys, particularly when regular turnover leaves frequent vacancies and all but Ms. Grunden have only a couple of years’ experience in the Office. Plea bargaining is a fact of life in our criminal justice system for good reasons. Both sides are spared the expense, time, and uncertainty of going to trial. And, if the prosecutor is experienced, he or she will exercise good judgment in deciding when a plea agreement is in the public interest or whether it makes sense to take the case to trial.
After becoming better informed about both candidates in this race, I believe the choice is clear. Ellen Grunden is the stronger candidate. We are lucky to have her in this race.
Jane Murphy
Oxford
The author is the Laurence M. Katz Professor Emerita at the University of Baltimore School of Law
Lyn Banghart says
I have already voted for Ellen Grunden! Clearly the better choice!
Barbara Denton says
Joe Coale has been endorsed by the current incumbent States Attorney. He has worked in this office for more than 2 years. I believe that says it all.
Darrell Parsons says
Ms Grunden is also a kind and caring person.
Bishop Joel Marcus Johnson says
Ellen Barry Grunden has elevated the posture of her office as Deputy States Attorney by participating as an active member of our larger community, rather than isolating herself in the legal complex of Talbot County. Writing as the former president of Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity (TACL), I testify to her participation in civil-religious ceremonies, not only as an officer of the court, but as a person of faith. That she also has been a musician from her own church in such events, she has shown that faith informs her heart. Writing also as the son of an emigrant judge, I am most confident with the fairness of the judicial mind of Ellen Barry Grunden ascending to the role of our Talbot County States Attorney, our chief law enforcement officer. Her heart and mind are well informed. At that, Mrs. Johnson and I are proud to have her campaign sign to beautify our front yard.
Patrick Firth says
I’ve known EBG since I grew up learning how to sail in Oxford with her son. Over the past few months of her campaign, I’ve also had the pleasure of learning about all the incredible work she does in our communities, particularly in advocacy for the children of Talbot County. She works tirelessly and selflessly for our county’s justice system. I cannot WAIT to cast my vote for her to be our next State’s Attorney. She’s been Deputy for nearly two decades and has the respect of law enforcement, private citizens, and leadership within the local and regional judiciary. I’m with Ellen!