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11/22/09
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Falahat Aims to Make History: Iranian American Runs for District Attorney in Contra Costa County California
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Source:
Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)
Iranian American Elle Falahat has a goal, and an
impressive one at that: to become the first ever-female district attorney for
Contra Costa County. Furthermore, if elected, Falahat would be the first Iranian
American ever to serve as District Attorney in the United States. According to
her, "I'm running for this position because the time has come. I'm the only
candidate in this race committed to changing the culture of the office to bring
it into the 21st century." The non-partisan election will be held in June of
2010.
Raised in Santa Clara, Elle Falahat had her sights set on working in the legal
profession from an early age. She helped turn this dream into a reality when she
entered Lincoln University, school of law, after receiving her bachelor's degree
from San Jose State. It was during this period that Falahat took a volunteer job
with the Santa Clara District Attorney's office and fell under the mentorship of
District Attorney, Judge Sharon Chatman. She was later chosen from a multitude
of applicants to serve on the trial team in the Polly Klaas murder case. This
historical trial ultimately led to the state of California establishing its
"Three Strikes" law. Since then, Falahat has worked as a Deputy District
Attorney in Ventura County District Attorney's offices and is currently running
her own private practice.
Falahat's campaign is focused on bringing much needed reform to the Contra Costa
D.A. office by addressing issues such as inefficient management, high staff
turnover, and poor resource management. Furthermore, her campaign is mounting a
grass roots campaign to reach residents of Contra Costa County via telephone
calls and the Internet. According to Falahat, her campaign needs to raise a
minimum of $250,000 in order to run a competitive race.
Click here to learn more about
Falahat's campaign.
Recently, PAAIA and its connected PAC, the Iranian American Political Action
Committee, had the opportunity to sit down with Elle Falahat and discuss her
campaign for District Attorney in Contra Costa County.
PAAIA/IAPAC: Why are you running for public office?
 FALAHAT: The Contra Costa County D.A. office has been described by head
of the D.A.'s union, Barry Grove, as "an office in crisis". I agree with that
statement. The D.A.'s office faces numerous problems not being addressed by
inefficient management, including high staff turnover, poor resource management
and poor trial results. As an experienced prosecutor, I feel an obligation to
step forward to see that these problems are addressed. It's for this reason that
I am running for public office.
PAAIA/IAPAC: Why are you running for this particular position?
FALAHAT: In its 150-year history, no woman or minority has ever held any
of the top three positions in the District Attorney's office in Contra Costa
County. Thirty-four female attorneys have left the office in the past six
years. Senior female attorneys have openly complained about management
practices. It's clear that current management doesn't believe there is a place
at the table for female and minority attorneys. I'm running for this position
because the time has come. I'm the only candidate in this race committed to
changing the culture of the office to bring it into the 21st century.
PAAIA/IAPC: What are your qualifications for this job?
FALAHAT: My experience in the field of prosecution is extensive. I began
my career as a key member of a trial team in the Polly Klaas murder trial. This
was one of the most high profile cases in California history, and led to the
passage in California in 1995 of what is now known as the Three Strikes law,
which has reduced serious crime in California by 45% in the past fourteen years.
I'm extremely proud of the role I played in that case and the passage of the
Three Strikes law.
Additionally, I have worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Ventura County
D.A.'s offices under District Attorney Michael Bradbury. Legendary for creating
one of the safest communities in the western United States, Mr. Bradbury is the
only person to be elected twice as the President of California District
Attorneys Association. His support of my campaign speaks volumes about my
qualifications for this position.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What are some of the challenges you believe your campaign
committee must overcome to mount a successful run-off campaign?
FLAHAT: Money, Money & Money! Contra Costa County has a population of 1
million people. To reach that number of voters requires the use of television,
direct mailing and numerous public appearances. To mount a successful campaign
will take a bare minimum of $250K. Raising that money in this economic climate
is a real challenge. Groups such as the Iranian American Political Action
Committee are doing a tremendous public service in supporting qualified Iranian
candidates for public office. I would be grateful for your support and any
assistant you can provide.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What are the fundraising goals of your committee?
FALAHAT: To mount a successful campaign it would be necessary to raise money
in a variety of ways. One of the most obvious ways is through PAC donations from
groups such as yours. We are also mounting a grass root fundraising campaign
through phone contacts and an internet fundraising site. With energy and
enthusiasm we should reach our goals.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
FALAHAT: All three of my opponents who have emerged thus far are District
Attorney's office insiders. The last time an outsider was elected to the
District Attorney in Contra Costa County was in 1958. The culture of the office
needs to be changed. Keeping our neighborhood safe must be the top priority. The
office needs to refocus its efforts on managing its limited resources to make
the greatest impact on lowering the crime rate. This will only be accomplished
by significant change in leadership that only an outsider can bring.
Fortunately, this need for change is widely understood by the community and is
generating many supporters for my candidacy.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What are the most critical issues facing Contra Costa County?
FALAHAT: In a nutshell, our gang problem. Contra Costa County is an
extremely diverse county with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 criminal gang members.
Although law enforcement can easily identify the majority of these individuals,
only 350 are currently in custody. There is no coordinated countywide law
enforcement gang task force and no gang prosecution unit in the District
Attorney's office. This would be the first issue, which I would address.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What role do you think Iranian Americans can play in your campaign
and what do you expect from the community?
FALAHAT: Contra Costa County has a population of just over one million
people. It has been estimated that there may be as many as thirty thousand
Iranians. Their votes alone could make the difference between success and
failure in this election campaign. Their resources could ensure that the issues
reach the voters. With your assistance we can reach out to the Iranian American
community in Contra Costa County and in other communities nation wide.
PAAIA/IAPAC: What role can organizations like IAPAC play in assisting your
campaign?
IAPAC can help target and identify influential Iranians in the community that
can assist with the campaign, and can contribute resources to get our message
out to the public.
... Payvand News - 11/22/09 ... --
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