Dennis L. Godfrey - Candidate Questionnaire

Name:  Dennis L. Godfrey

Age:  64

Occupation:  Commonwealth’s Attorney for Washington County                          

Family:  Married to Susan L. Godfrey Children:  Dennis Erin Godfrey, Patrick Reid Godfrey, Robert Brendan Godfrey and Peter Louis Godfrey  

Education:  Western High School, Louisville, Kentucky, 1965, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 1971 and University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1974

Military Service:  None

Religion:  Catholic

Past Political Office Held:  Commonwealth’s Attorney for Washington County 1984-1999;  2004-present            .

Qualifications for Office:  I have been a licensed attorney for 37-years and have been a successful  Prosecutor for approximately 26-years.  I think that I have proven to be fair and impartial and someone the citizens know they can talk to about their problems and concerns.  I know the people of Washington County and they know me and trust me.  Further, I am President of the Washington County Bar Association, and a Board Member of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys.  I am Honorary Chairperson of the March of Dimes, a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, and a member of the Kiwanis Club for 25-years.  I am a former District Little League Official & Umpire and a former President  of the Abingdon Midget League Football program.

Why are you running?  Because I love my job and I love the people of Washington County.  Many citizens have encouraged me to continue working hard for them and their families.  I am proud of my accomplishments as Commonwealth’s Attorney as well as those of my staff over the past years.  We have successfully prosecuted many difficult and high profile cases and I want to continue to provide effective prosecution of criminal cases to the citizens in this County.

What are the most significant issues facing Washington County related to the office you are seeking, and how would you help address them if elected? 

Illegal drugs remain the biggest problem, not only because of the human impact but because of the trickle down effect on other crimes.  Most of us have been adversely affected by this problem.  Many of our citizens have watched their loved one become hooked on drugs.  They have watch as their loved ones and their families suffered.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those involved in manufacturing and selling or distributing illegal drugs.  We will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement agencies and tirelessly fight to eliminate this scourge.  Like you, I do not want my children and grandchildren exposed to drugs in school, on the streets or anywhere else.   I do not want anyone to be the victim or a burglary or larceny committed by a person stealing to get money to support their habit or criminal enterprise.  The drug problem creates a tremendous strain on our community’s resources.  The cost to law enforcement, social service agencies, and families is huge and the potential dangers associated with the manufacture of Methamphetamine are an unacceptable risk. 

What in your background uniquely qualifies you to serve in the office you’re seeking? 

My parents demanded that their children obeyed and respected the law.  They both expected us to treat everyone fairly and equally.  This background prepared me for a career in law with the ideal of equal justice and the commitment that we must follow the rule of law if we are to have an orderly society.  The transition to the role of a career prosecutor was natural.  I have been a prosecutor and a servant of the people for almost 26 years.  This length of service has prepared me for most any scenario that may arise.

What specific things would you do if elected to improve the service citizens receive from your office?

First, I am very proud of the prosecutors who work in this office as well as the support staff.  This includes the Victim-Witness Director.  Each and every one of them is dedicated to their jobs and each provides excellent service to victims and witnesses.  We are not perfect, but we are committed to continually strive to provide the best service possible.     

Secondly, I will continue to provide my attorneys with as much training as is available through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Services and Training Council and to maximize the resources available to us.

Finally, I will continue to be accessible to the public, to their concerns and ensure that my staff maintains the same high standard of concern, accessibility and fairness that I embrace.

What will be your main goal if elected?

To continue to fight the war against drug dealers and those who manufacture methamphetamine; and to continue to combat child sexual abuse and domestic violence; and to also continue to be fair and consistent.          

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

As Commonwealth’s Attorney, I have a record of years of solid service in the prosecution of  those who violate the criminal laws of our County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.  A successful Commonwealth’s Attorney must be more than a prosecutor.  He must understand both the law and the people to be an effective leader and manager as well.