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District Attorney Rich Bower is seeking re-election as the Republican nominee in the May 16 primary.
“It would be an honor to continue serving as District Attorney for the people of Fayette County,” Bower said. “The team effort between my office and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies has obtained justice for many thousands of victims and their families.”
Bower named effective coordination with law enforcement as one key reason he earned endorsements from the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police, the South-West Regional Fraternal Order of Police and the Fayette County Constables’ Association.
Bower further shared that within his office exists a solid foundation based on shared values, high energy and dedication between himself, the assistant district attorneys and staff members.
“I feel blessed to work with such amazing people. They are the most important part of the District Attorney’s office,” Bower expressed.
Bower explained that his administration will continue to be approachable and accessible to members of the community, victims and their families, witnesses, and all levels of law enforcement.
Bower stated that he keeps his focus and stays well-grounded by regularly attending Pennsville Baptist Church. “It’s important we care for and protect victims and their families, and that includes bringing criminals to justice,” Bower said.
Bower stated that justice begins with a criminal investigation and gathering evidence. He shared that countless times, including in the middle of the night, he has personally investigated violent crime and assisted law enforcement agencies regarding homicide, kidnapping, rape, and more.
“It’s not an eight hour a day job, it’s 24/7,” Bower said. “I’ve dedicated my life to the people of Fayette County, and that level of direction and energy in my administration is necessary to keep the criminal justice system running smoothly.”
“I learned early on how a life of service requires hard work and dedication,” Bower explained. “My father died when I was six years old, and my mother had only an eighth-grade education. Through hard times she led by example in dedicating her life to raising three children as a single mother.”
Bower shared that he began his career of service and dedication to the public good while in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he flew 45 missions and completed duties in Okinawa, Alaska and England. Bower said that during his time in the military he received medals for hazardous duty missions and attended Russian language school in Monterey, CA and San Angelo, Texas.
“My time in the military taught me the value of serving others and serving my country. Today my acts of service are to protect the people of Fayette County by prosecuting criminals who harm our families, friends, and neighbors,” Bower said.
Bower explained that during his tenure as District Attorney the criminal justice system has become far more structured and efficient in ways which benefit defendants, victims, witnesses, and other participants.
“House arrest is often ordered for non-violent offenders to ease the burden on the Fayette County Prison,” Bower said. “We see over 3,000 cases per year in the Court of Common Pleas, and today some of those cases are handled in drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, which accelerates the entire legal process for both defendants and victims.”
Bower conveyed that a decade ago, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) cases could last up to a year. “Now both ARD cases and fast track pleas are reviewed and approved quickly, and are usually completed in less than 45 days,” Bower said.
“Going forward, we can further streamline trials and reduce judges’ workloads, and continue to schedule in advance major trials such as homicide and sexual assault, so most cases can be handled quickly,” Bower said.
Bower explained that the county commissioners, the District Attorney’s office, and various law enforcement agencies actively address concerns over the safety and security of victims, witnesses and others involved in the criminal justice system.
“The County Commissioners have begun construction on a secure ground-level corridor between the courthouse and the District Attorney’s office,” Bower said. “It will provide safe passage between the District Attorney’s office and the courtrooms for victims, witnesses, prosecutors, courthouse officials, judges and staff.
“Without adequate security measures, victims and witnesses will not feel comfortable testifying against violent criminals,” Bower said. “And this new corridor, which will further safeguard everyone, is being constructed completely with federal funds – not county tax dollars.”
Regarding safety and security in our communities, Bower shared that his administration has provided funding for police departments in municipalities such as Connellsville, Uniontown, Redstone Township and Masontown. “We have helped local law enforcement purchase the equipment, vehicles and training they need to effectively police their communities, as well as establish a county gun range for law enforcement training purposes,” Bower explained.
Further, Bower said he is a firm believer in the individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense. “I was actively involved during the Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement of 2019 and the passage of a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution by the Fayette County Commissioners in March 2020,” Bower stated.
A life-long resident of Fayette County, Bower attended Connellsville Senior High School and served honorably in the United States Air Force, where he received two air medals from the President of the United States for meritorious service for his country.
After his military service, Bower received a bachelor’s degree at Penn State followed by a law degree from George Washington University School of Law in 1982. Bower then opened his own law practice, which he operated while raising two children as a single father. He also served for over six years as both Assistant District Attorney and First Trial Assistant District Attorney prior to being elected to the office of District Attorney in 2015.
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