Ed. note — The Independent News asked the candidate for the commonwealth’s attorney in Virginia Beach to answer the following questions. Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle is running unopposed. This appeared in print on Friday, Nov. 3. Responses have not been edited. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Colin D. Stolle
[Incumbent]
Residence: Virginia Beach
Age on Election Day: 47
Occupation: Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney
Key endorsements: Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge #8; Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association
colinstolle.com ♦ (757) 563-3304 ♦ info@colinstolle.com ♦ ColinStolle1 on Facebook; @ColinStolle on Twitter
What are your specific qualifications for this office? As a prosecutor for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for more than 20 years, I have prosecuted every type of crime from petit larceny to capital murder. Additionally, I was the Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney in this office for approximately eight (8) years and have been the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the last four (4) years. I have managed a budget of over nine (9) million dollars as well as a staff of close to 100 employees.
What are the most pressing issues to you and how will you address them in office? Right now, the United States and specifically the Hampton Roads area, is facing an opioid crisis. Citizens are misusing and abusing opioids at an alarming rate, which has resulted in a drastic number of opioid-related crimes and overdose deaths in our community. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office under my direction has worked with other local agencies to start a Drug Treatment Court in our city. The Court is up and running and will offer an alternative plan for drug addicts who are charged with non-violent crimes as a result of their addiction. However, I will continue to fight to lock up drug dealers for spreading this poison in our community. As Commonwealth’s Attorney, I will continue to work with local agencies to stop this epidemic in Virginia Beach, while continuing to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth.
How will you coordinate with city officials to ensure proper function of your office? As a constitutional officer, my office is independent from the City; however, my office maintains a positive working relationship with city departments, city officials, judges, law enforcement, and the defense bar. I will continue my policy to work closely with City management in an effort to keep Virginia Beach a safe community.
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