This past week was a busy one across Warren and Van Buren counties.

Community Events

Matt attended the ham and bean dinner hosted by The Order of Eastern Star this past weekend and appreciated the opportunity to spend time with members of the community. Events like this reinforce the importance of staying engaged and accessible to the people of Warren and Van Buren counties.

Fall Creek Falls Meet and Greet

At the Fall Creek Falls candidate meet and greet, Matt had the opportunity to connect with many new faces and familiar names.

While the Jerry Blankenship from Spencer pictured above shares a name with campaign treasurer Jerry Blankenship from McMinnville, he is not related to the treasurer, but he is very much related to Matt. It was a strong night with meaningful conversations and a speech that reflected the work already being done in the District Attorney’s office.

Warren First & Warren County Joy Candidate Forum

Matt participated in a candidate forum hosted by Warren First and Warren County Joy, where he addressed key issues and answered questions about his record and approach as the current District Attorney.

Experience and Ongoing Work

Matt emphasized that experience matters. There are years’ worth of cases currently moving through the system, and he and his team are already working those cases every day. The office understands the caseload, is actively moving cases forward, and is positioned to continue that work without disruption.

A Practical Approach to Justice

Matt explained that being tough on crime requires judgment. Violent and dangerous offenders belong in prison. At the same time, not every case should be handled the same way. For non violent, first time, or lower level offenses, programs like drug court can reduce repeat offenses and make better use of taxpayer dollars. With incarceration costing roughly fifty eight dollars a day, these decisions have real financial impact on the community.

Victims and Responsibility

Matt made clear that victims must be heard and respected throughout the process. Their input matters and should be taken seriously. At the same time, the responsibility of the District Attorney is to pursue justice on behalf of the entire community. In serious cases, that can require moving forward even when it is difficult, with the goal of reaching a fair and appropriate outcome.

State of the Office

Matt addressed concerns about the condition of the office, noting that while a sudden transition created challenges, the staff has remained strong. Prosecutors, legal staff, and victim witness coordinators continue to work together effectively. Since being appointed, he has made policy adjustments to improve efficiency and keep cases moving.

Case by Case Decisions

In areas like domestic violence, Matt explained that decisions are made based on the specifics of each case. Prior history and the severity of the incident are key factors. Second chance programs are limited to appropriate situations, while victim safety remains the priority in every case.

Moving Forward

The focus remains on continuing the work already in progress, maintaining consistency in the office, and making decisions that protect the public while using resources responsibly.