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John Mattingly to Bad Guys: Look Out, Here I Come
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John Mattingly to Bad Guys: Look Out, Here I Come
Leonardtown - 2/5/2009
By Pete Hurrey
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This past month, Leonardtown-based attorney, John A. Mattingly, Jr. began the process necessary to run for States Attorney. Even though he cannot formally file with the election board until July 6, Mattingly set up his organization and registered it so that his supporters can begin creating the grass-roots effort to help the enigmatic attorney win office in 2010. “I have done everything I can in private practice and this is something I feel very strongly about,” said Mattingly in an exclusive interview with TBN. Mattingly went on to state that he is tired of the inefficient way the courthouse is being run and wants to put a stop to current practices that sees recidivists [repeat offenders] get a walk when they should be prosecuted and tried by a jury to have their fate determined.
“The practice of being able to buy yourself out of a jail sentence by donating to charity is going to stop. If people can’t prosecute for whatever reason, why are they brought in? And, if they can be prosecuted, then why are they allowed to make a donation to the State’s Attorney’s favorite charity and get off?” said a determined Mattingly.
When asked about his career, Mattingly said that he had years of experience in private practice and just this past month argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. “When they accepted the ‘cert’* for my case that had been denied on two previous occasions, I knew there was nothing left for me to accomplish in private practice,” said Mattingly.
Mattingly and his co-counsel completed their arguments before the illustrious high court and are now awaiting the court’s decision.
Mattingly has been a life long resident of St. Mary’s County and is a dedicated family man, determined to make a difference in the community in which his family resides. “When I first told Heather of my plans to run for States Attorney, she resisted, but now she has agreed that I should run," said Mattingly of his wife.
Mattingly understands that the job comes with a great deal of responsibility and will take a toll on his family and his time with his three children, Lauren, 7, Cole, 4 and Julia, 2. “I am very involved in Girls Scouting with my daughters and activities with my son,” said Mattingly. “I know this job comes with some drawbacks and there will need to be some sacrifices made in order to make changes to the way things work now.”
One thing is for certain, should Mattingly be successful in his effort to gain the office of the St. Mary’s County States Attorney, the bad guys had better watch out. “I will treat everyone fairly, but rest assured, criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We have no ‘three strikes’ law in Maryland, but there will be a ‘three strikes’ law when I am elected.”
*ED NOTE: certiorari or ‘cert’ is a Latin term used when the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case before them.
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