Editor, Smithfield Times

Thank you to Editor John Edwards for providing space to all the candidates so the readers can be informed at the polls. Readers learned about my vision for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney in the July 1 edition. Here is a little more about myself, my father was a US Navy flight surgeon who died during his service to this country. The example my mother set by raising four children alone impressed upon me the value of perseverance and dedication to work and family. We each worked our way through college. I worked full-time to put myself through night law school. These were demanding experiences that prepared me for far greater challenges in life and my legal career.

I am married to Michael, a 30-year Navy veteran. On our first trip to Isle of Wight in 1991, we visited a Christmas tree farm off Rt. 258. After some exploring, we decided this is where we would establish our permanent residence.

No other candidate brings 25 years of state and federal criminal litigation, nor as much serious felony trial experience to the job as I do. I have argued cases before all of Virginia’s federal and state appellate courts, lectured on search and seizure laws at the police academy, worked closely with victim-witness advocates, appeared on nationally-televised FRONTLINE, testified before General Assembly committees, visited crime scenes, attended autopsies, and am proficient in ballistics, DNA and other forensics.

All my experience has been aimed at one objective: preserving the Due Process protections guaranteed every citizen by the United States and Virginia Constitutions. The citizens of Isle of Wight deserve nothing less.

Being a firmly settled resident in this vibrant community, I am driven to contribute to its future. As the most qualified candidate, I commit to you my experience and leadership. See www.StantonforCommAtty.com.

Jennifer Stanton
Smithfield