As citizens of Lake County on June 5 we have a choice to make for the next district attorney. In making this choice we need to think about the future of our county and what type of leadership we need running our district attorney’s office.

I have known Steve Brown for many years on a personal and professional level. We shared similar paths growing up in Lake County. When I graduated from Lower Lake High School class of 1999, I knew of Steve as a freshman from Kelseyville High School because of his accomplishments as a high school wrestler. He was a true champion and one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever come out of Lake County.

After high school we both left Lake County for college, attended law school and then returned to Lake County to start our careers as young attorneys and serve the community that we both love.

When I met him as an adult and fellow lawyer we were both starting out as public defenders in Lake County. Working with Steve I quickly recognized that same dedication and fight he had as a wrestler was now being used in the courtroom for his clients. It is that fire and drive that sets Steve apart from the competition.

Our community now has the opportunity to use Steve’s drive for our benefit in running one of the most important law enforcement branches of our local community.

I have watched Steve in court dealing with extremely difficult opposing counsel. Steve’s ability to remain cool under pressure is remarkable. I have seen firsthand Steve’s level of preparation, his extremely sharp legal mind and knowledge of the law. He has proven to have a strong sense of moral right, justice and rational compassion for everyone.

Steve saw the need for new leadership in the Lake County DA’s Office and is willing to give up his career in private practice and serve our community by dedicating himself to the office of district attorney and bring his immense skills and energy to serve us all as a public servant.

When elected he will be tough and unrelenting on violent crime and dangerous drug manufacturing cases that ruin too many lives in our community and yet rational, fair and measured in directing the resources of the DA’s Office in prosecuting nonviolent crimes and low-level drug crimes better suited to mental health and diversion resolutions.

Steve has many years left in his career that he can dedicate to our community. The strength and leadership qualities that I see in Steve are similar to the qualities of Sheriff Brian Martin. Both are family men in their prime with deep roots to our community, and whose judgment I trust impeccably based on years of professional interaction.

Most of all I trust Steve’s integrity and ethics. I have never second-guessed his intentions. He is a man of his word who communicates honestly and directly. It is these qualities that I am most excited to see him bring to the DA’s Office and implement when dealing with the numerous responsibilities he will face both inside the courtroom and out. As the face of the DA’s Office I know he will represent our community well.

Our county needs sound stable leadership in the DA’s Office. Steve Brown will bring that needed leadership with the same commitment and drive that he has shown throughout his life thus far.

Steve is a true asset for all of us living in Lake County and I believe once elected, our community will truly benefit from the talents that his friends, family and coworkers have observed over his lifetime.

I wholeheartedly endorse Steve and look forward to seeing him in office as our next district attorney. I hope you will support Steve and vote for him this June.

Jesse B. Chrisp is a local attorney. He lives in Lucerne, Calif.