CSU Bakersfield hosted district attorney candidates Scott Spielman and Cynthia Zimmer for a Debate in anticipation of the upcoming elections. The candidates spoke in the Dezember room located in the Walter Stiern Library which quickly filled up with enthused students and citizens alike. The 24 hour room had to be repurposed as a second room where the TV streamed the event.
Spielman and Zimmer were asked questions from students in various departments such as the criminal justice and political science departments. In an attempt to maintain neutrality, candidates took turns alternating who answered a question first and were limited to one reply per prompt.
Each candidate started with a brief overview of themselves. Spielman is the current assistant district attorney, a position he has held for 7 years. In addition, his resume includes a criminology degree from Fresno State as well as a prosecutor career dating back 24 years.
Zimmer has worked in the DA office for 33 years. She has experience in each department of the DA’s office. In addition, she supervises the gang prosecution task force.
The debate was executed in a well-mannered fashion. Both shared some similar views on certain issues, for example each candidate is tough on crime. However, the two did take the occasional swipe at one another.
Questions revolving around high-profile cases here in Kern County were posed. One such question was about the prosecution of John Giumarra III, who was convicted of a DUI after hitting and killing a cyclist with his vehicle. They also addressed the case of Tatyana Hartgrove, a 19 year old who was unconstitutionally seized by officers when looking for a male suspect with a machete.
A question, the facilitator posed whether candidates believed proper legal judgement had been used in these cases. “It is not fair for me to criticize the DA when I was not personally involved” Zimmer said. She did chime in, however, defending law enforcement on the Hartgrove case.
“They do have the right to detain when they have a reasonable cause to believe that they committed a crime. They must not resist. If they have a complaint, they should complain later. They must comply and complain. Better to comply in that situation.”
As for the DUI case, Spielman provided his input. “They were asking for felony DUI. He didn’t cause the accident that led to the death… In these cases, you have to use conscious and law.”
In the Giumarra case the cyclist who was hit was found to have had meth in their system and cycled in such a manner that put them in harm’s way.
Zimmer frequently talked about her endorsements, which include but are not limited to, former District Attorney Ed Jagels, the Bakersfield Police Department’s Union, Taft, Ridgecrest, Delano, Arvin, and Kern County Sheriff’s deputies.
However, Spielman too has the support of law enforcement. Zimmer’s official endorsements from law enforcement are represented by unions who make their decisions based on a board instead of the whole department, said Spielman.
“A board’s vote can lead you to understand what certain people think- What the union boards biggest concern is. I made no promises or back door promises. That’s the way I have always been. If it takes promises made to them that wouldn’t be shared openly here, if belonging to a political machine that are pushing so hard to have people in political office, in their stable, to win, if that’s what it takes I don’t want this job.”
Spielman’s endorsements include current District Attorney Lisa Green, Sheriff Donny Youngblood and two former chiefs of the Bakersfield Police Department.
Spielman stayed long after the debates conclusion to talk with students, he and his team were the last to leave.
When asked if he had something to say to students, Spielman said “Be proud for the university for hosting something like this. Register to vote and cast your ballot. Also, its important to know the candidate you’re voting for so do some research. It’s important to vote but it’s important to be an educated voter, and vote for Scott Spielman.“
Zimmer closed the speaking event on a similar note. “If you’re registered, go vote, cast your vote. I would be honored to have your vote”
Students after the session seemed enthralled. Yesenia Medina, a junior political science major, said “I was not really familiar with the candidates. I knew their perspectives on law schools because both have attended pre-law society events in the past.”
Esau Casimiro, a senior political science major, felt that some answers were not thorough enough.
“I wish they had focused a bit more on matters of our community. I also would have liked if they would have been more specific with some answers… I think that they are both overall passionate and competent.”
Some were critical about candidate behavior. Michael Akroush, a philosophy major, stated “Zimmer was very strong with her attitude- in an aggressive way. Scott was a little more passive, but they still conflicted with each other. It was entertaining”
Students looking to make a more informed decision this upcoming election might be interested in attending an upcoming debate at the Taft chamber of commerce on May 8th.
Elections for District Attorney will take place on June 5.
