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Letter: Skordas is the right choice for Utah attorney general

(Scott G Winterton | Deseret News/pool) Defense Attorney Greg Skordas gestures toward Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes as he answers a question during a debate in the KSL studios in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.

After listening to Sean Reyes highlighting the negative online reviews in his heated debate against Greg Skordas, I feel compelled to comment.

I am a Republican who rarely votes for Democrats. But based on my experience as an attorney, Greg Skordas is the clear choice for Utah attorney general.

I have been practicing law for over 30 years in Utah. During that time, I have had personal experience going against Mr. Skordas when he was a prosecuting attorney for the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. As a defense attorney when facing Mr. Skordas, he was tough but fair. He knew the law, was prepared, and he worked hard. He was reasonable in his plea bargains. He was well respected by judges, fellow prosecutors and defense attorneys. (Unfortunately, judges are not permitted to voice their opinions in such political races, but I am confident stating that they share my opinion of Mr. Skordas.)

Now that Mr. Skordas is practicing as a defense attorney, he has the same reputation. He is just as tough. But he also is known as hard-working, articulate, zealous and compassionate. I believe those qualities would serve him well as attorney general. His background and extensive experience in the trenches are much more conducive to being the A.G. than those of Mr. Reyes.

Before the pandemic hit, I would see Mr. Skordas in court several times each week. On one occasion, we served as co-counsel for a defendant. We unfortunately lost that jury trial, but I gained a new respect for his trial advocacy skills after working closely with him for months.

I can honestly say that I have never seen Mr. Reyes in any courtroom.

I am not close friends with Mr. Skordas. We have never interacted outside the courtroom. I simply believe the public deserves a more accurate view of this candidate based upon his body of work as an attorney — not based on a few disgruntled clients over a 38-year career.

David W. Brown, West Valley City

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