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Reynolds advocates domestic violence protection, Emmalee's law in campaign kickoff event

Ames Tribune - 7/2/2017

July 02--Though it has been 10 months since Jessica Reynolds was appointed Story County attorney by the Board of Supervisors, she thinks her job is not even close to being done, which is why on Saturday, she formally announced her candidacy to run for the position again in 2018.

"In my office, we look around us, and we see issues," said Reynolds, who was appointed to fill the position left open by the retirement of Steve Holmes in the fall of 2016. "As prosecutors, I feel that holding people accountable for their actions, offering services and rehabilitation, stopping violence, and protecting our communities are the ways that prosecutors can change the world for the better."

In front of approximately 75 supporters, co-workers, friends and family members, Reynolds spoke about what she has learned and fought for in her time as the Story County attorney, and how she feels there are so many more goals to accomplish if elected to a four-year term next year. One of the major areas of emphasis Reynolds touched on was domestic violence, and how the county continues to push for justice for the victims.

"In some counties, if you talk to the victims, and they don't want to go forward, then you just dismiss the case," Reynolds said. "That's not how we do things in my office, and it's not because we don't care about the victim, it's in fact the opposite, because we sincerely care about the victims."

In particular, Reynolds touched on domestic violence cases that involve strangulation, which have the highest chances of resulting in murder, and can be extremely difficult to prosecute. In some other Iowa counties, such as Pottawattamie, Reynolds said more than 70 percent of such cases are dismissed. In Story County, that number drops to 17 percent, Reynolds said.

"We're working hard; we're keeping the community safe, and we're stopping the cycle of violence," Reynolds said.

Another issue that Reynolds said was close to her heart was the hit-and-run death laws in the state, which she said must be changed. This past legislative session, Reynolds pushed "Emmalee's Law" -- named after the Iowa State student who was struck and killed by a CyRide bus in 2015 -- which would clear up legal language in Iowa's law that prevents prosecutors from pursuing more serious charges, and a lengthier sentences for hit-and-run defendants.

The law did not pass this session, but Reynolds said she will continue to fight to push it through for not only Emmalee Jacobs' family, but the families of other victims in similar cases.

"We plan to go back this year, and we plan to get that done," Reynolds said.

One of the guest speakers at Saturday's event was Assistant Story County Attorney Gary Kendell, who was brought in by Reynolds last December. Kendell spoke about hiring Reynolds when he was the Warren County Attorney, and why she is the right fit to continue to lead as Story County attorney.

"Now I get to work for her, so it's just funny how the world works, sort of the circle of life, and I couldn't be happier to be working with her and the rest of the team at the Story County Attorney's Office," Kendell said. "It's a fantastic office, and Jessica has just improved upon that since she's been there."

In addition to Kendell, Democratic Congressman Dave Loebsack, who represents southeast Iowa's2nd Congressional District, also voiced his support for Reynolds, saying that at a time when our country is so divided, Story County needs someone who is willing to work with people of all political backgrounds in the name of justice.

"She had bipartisan support in the first place when she got appointed to this position in 2016," Loebsack said. "She's doing a fantastic job, and she knows how to focus on the issues that matter to the people of Story County."

As of Friday afternoon, Story County GOP Chairman Brett Barker said that no Republicans have formally announced their candidacy for the position. However Loebsack said that even if another candidate were to announce, Reynolds' experience is enough to distinguish her from others.

"Her wealth of experience (distinguishes her). She's taken on the tough cases, and won cases," Loebsack said. "She knows what it takes to be successful, and knows the issues to work on."

Reynolds said that for her, this election isn't just about a political win, but to continue to fight for justice in Story County.

"It's been the honor and privilege of my professional life to serve as the Story County attorney," Reynolds said. "I've found that prosecution is truth in actions. Our job is to find the truth, follow the law, and do the right thing; it's the best job in the entire world."

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