[B]ENNINGTON — Arnold Gottlieb, who is challenging Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage in the Democratic primary race, has made it official by submitting his nomination papers and holding a press conference outside the county courthouse.
Meanwhile, the incumbent has gotten her papers in as well and offered some responding comments in advance of a formal campaign launch later this month.
Gottlieb, an attorney who has handled criminal and civil cases in Ohio and Vermont for the past 40 years, contends that the office under Marthage is operated in an outdated manner and a philosophy of inflexibility toward those charged with crimes.
He said Wednesday that he and Marthage have “diametrically opposed” approaches to the chief prosecutor’s position, which Gottlieb intends to highlight during the primary campaign.
The two Democrats will face off in the Aug. 14 primary to determine the party’s candidate for the Nov. 6 election. No Republicans or independents have thus far announced their candidacy.
Contacted later Wednesday, Marthage, who won her first four-year term in 2006, said, “As someone who was raised in this county and having spent most of my life here, I believe that I am best suited to reflect the community values when determining how best to proceed in criminal cases. On the other hand, Mr. Gottlieb’s background, lack of significant legal experience in Vermont, and recent relocation to Vermont make it unlikely that he truly reflects the values of Bennington County.”
Gottlieb said during an earlier interview that he and his wife moved from Ohio to Dorset four years ago. He has been in private practice as an attorney since 1978, representing clients in both criminal and civil cases, including in homicide, rape, robbery and other felony cases.
The principal changes he hopes to bring to the office, Gottlieb said, include focusing more on alternative justice programs, rather than criminal charges, especially for those with drug addiction issues. He also would offer “the best deal at the start” and tell defendants the offer won’t change in an effort to resolve cases earlier through plea agreements, attempting to clear what he termed a “congested” court calendar.
Gottlieb cited statistics showing that more Bennington County residents per capita are incarcerated than from any other Vermont jurisdiction, contending that reflects a “decades-old philosophy” that is no longer viable as prison populations swell and rates of addiction soar.
“I am proud of the office I have assembled,” Marthage said, “and our use of alternative justice programs and drug treatment diversion to address the needs of in our community.”
During her tenure, she said, “my office has taken a balanced approach to prosecution, considering both the rights of individuals and the need to protect public safety. I believe everyone deserves a second chance. At the same time, individuals who have had third, fourth and fifth chances but continue to commit violent crimes need to be held accountable for their actions.”
The 47-year-old Marthage said her nomination papers for another term have been filed, and she plans a formal announcement in mid-May.
Gottlieb, 66, who received a law degree in 1977 from the University of Toledo, practiced law in Ohio before he and his wife moved to Vermont in 2014.
