Opinion piece: written by Sandra R, Sylvester, Esq., Assistant Commonwealth Attorney
To the Citizens of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park,
I moved to Prince William County in 1983 for military service. Back then we had newspapers such as the Potomac News and Journal Messenger. I would read about Paul B. Ebert and his Assistants prosecuting very high profile such as serial rapist and killer James Mitchell Debardeleben or cop killer Roy Bruce Smith. I knew when my military service was done, I wanted to work for him. I did not know him, had no connections, but began practicing law in the Judicial Center in Manassas, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legal giant.
I finally found the courage to ask for a job, and now twenty-eight years later, I am proud of my service to the citizens of this county. Like Mr. Ebert, I wanted to be a career prosecutor and fight sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and animal cruelty. Thanks to Mr. Ebert, I have done just that. He told me when he first hired me to "do the right thing. It may not be the popular thing, but you will know in your heart it is the right thing." I have tried to do just that every day since 1988.
Now, I hear people say it is time for a change "new blood." As I get older, I find myself impatient with the arrogance of youth. The decision facing voters in November is an important one for this county: experience vs. entitlement. Mr. Ebert has tried thousands of cases and has enjoyed the respect and admiration of prosecutors throughout the United States. His opposition was asked recently about his most significant criminal trial. He responded he defended "kids" in General District Court. That court is referred to as traffic court.
Ask yourselves: who do you want speaking on behalf of a loved one killed by a drunk driver or hurt from some random act of violence- someone who admits he has never tried a criminal jury, or someone who has tried and convicted the "worst of the worst?” There is only one answer to that question- experience counts! Citizens, exercise this very important right in November and vote for law and order.
Mr. Ebert is no politician. Our office is completely nonpartisan with Republicans, Democrats, Independents, conservatives and liberals [alike, working there]. [It] makes for lively lunchroom banter, but our office is not about politics. It is about fighting crime. It is about keeping Prince William County safe. Mr. Ebert has instilled that in all of us!
Sandra R, Sylvester, Esq.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney,
Author, Dog trainer, Veteran and Prince William County resident
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