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Dear editor:
The primary election and voting this year are paramount to not only Park County but our entire state of Wyoming. I encourage our communities to show up to vote. Your vote …
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Dear editor:
The primary election and voting this year are paramount to not only Park County but our entire state of Wyoming. I encourage our communities to show up to vote. Your vote counts. After doing my “homework” about what are the responsibilities of a district sttorney it became clear who would best fit that expert role. While many believe the DA’s are simply to prosecute the “bad guys” and make sure they serve time in prison or jail. Below is a small portion of the job of a DA and the team:
What a District Attorney Does and Key Responsibilities
Legal Guide Team
Mar 5, 2026
The district attorney (DA) leads a county or similarly defined jurisdiction’s prosecutorial office.
Role and scope of authority
At its core, the district attorney’s office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state or county. The DA sets prosecutorial priorities, supervises lawyers and staff, and ensures that legal process adheres to constitutional rights. In many jurisdictions, the DA is elected or appointed and may oversee multiple units, including violent crime, gang activity and domestic violence divisions. This leadership position also involves public communication, community outreach and policy advocacy.
Ericka Smith has the tenure, spirit of fairness, dedication to be tough when tough is needed and collaboration when that is needed. She is a listener, a problem solver, and hoping to be our next district attorney. She has the experience of 26 years as a civil, criminal and administrative lawyer. She fully understands what her responsibilities would be on day one. She respects the law and the constitution. She has been both a defense attorney as well as a prosecuting attorney. Ericka lands on her decisions with thoughtful listening and looks for collaboration in the court room with professional demeanor.
Ericka sees how important her position is now and in the future. She wants to build trust and work in collaboration with partners in the community of Park County who serve and care for those who are victims of crime, such as CASA, Crisis Intervention, working with youth to foster ways to not be in trouble with the law. She is open and willing and able to make time to hear all sides of issues that affect our county.
Your vote matters.
Kathy Thompson
Cody
