DA candidates answer questions

By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin and challenger Kelly Gaughan sat side by side at a candidates' forum Monday as they answered questions put to them in writing from the audience.

In summing up why they'd be the better choice, Tonkin talked about his experience while Gaughan pointed to her support from police officers.

Tonkin said law enforcement endorsements are sort of like endorsements from unions, not individuals. He said he works daily with officers.

“I want to stand on my own feet," he said. "I don’t want to be beholden to anyone, including lawyers. I don’t know why you want to have them. I represent citizens. If my opponent is with lawyers and they endorse her, what is going to be owed to them in future?”

Gaughan objected to this, saying, "I will owe no one. The lawyers are all local attorneys, many are child abuse attorneys. They’ve seen me and the district attorney process cases. Most of you don’t encounter the law system, we have. Local law enforcement chose to come out and endorse me.”

She asked voters to ask their local police officers and lawyers why they want a change in the district attorney's office. She said she has 16 years of practice as an attorney, and will not let another child be abused without prosecuting the abuser, and that she will stand with veterans.

The forum was led by the Pennsylvania League of Woman Voters. For more highlights of the event, please see sidebar.