Sequim attorney and developer Larry Freedman has announced he will run for county prosecutor as a Democrat.

Two other candidates have announced: incumbent Deborah Kelly, who is running as a Republican, and Port Angeles attorney David Fox, who is running as a Democrat.

Freedman and Fox, plus any other Democratic candidates, will face off in the Aug. 17 primary election prior to the Nov. 2 general election. Candidate filing week begins June 7.

The 72-year-old Freedman said after filing on Thursday, March 18, the prosecutor's office has become "dysfunctional" under Kelly, who first was elected in 2002.

"The turnover rate is terrible. In recent years, the office has lost between 35 and 40 people, including attorneys and support staff."

The office also is being sued by former employees over issues such as age discrimination and a hostile work environment, he said.



Cases and costs

These issues have led to inefficiency and increased costs; the result has been compromised cases, delayed cases and cases lost on appeal when this should not have happened, Freedman said.

He will work to improve relations with county, cities and tribal law enforcement and give them information and guidance wherever needed to help them in their work to provide for speedy prosecution, Freedman said.

"I will provide Clallam County protection through integrity and wisdom based on long experience and professionalism."

Freedman also stresses he will provide better training, ethical policies and procedures for both attorneys and support staff, along with better litigation techniques.

Freedman has lived in Sequim since 2003 after moving from Florida.

He has been a Sequim deputy prosecutor and planning commissioner from November 2004 to February 2009, including chairman.

Freedman is a 1959 graduate of the University of Vermont and a 1963 graduate of the Boston University Law School. He is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula's board of directors and the Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club.