Philosophical Differences between Kennedy and his Opponent

Both candidates are committed to concentrating prosecution resources on habitual criminals.

Kennedy also believes that broader efforts and future-oriented strategies are critical to supporting the overall public safety goal. As District Attorney he has dedicated significant time and resources to strengthen other functions for which he is responsible. These include:

Kennedy believes the District Attorney should have some track record in supervision and also have personal experience in prosecuting murder, rape, juvenile, white-collar, and other complex cases before assuming responsibility for such matters for Silicon Valley.
Opponent is attempting to become the chief law enforcement official in northern California's largest county as his first management and supervisory position and as his first foray into handling the most serious and complex cases.

Kennedy believes that the District Attorney's office should be independent and that prosecutors should be politically neutral.
Opponent has participated in efforts to involve district attorney staff in politics. (San Jose Mercury News, Perspective, p.2C, August 11, 1996)