I am writing in response to “Leaving tainted cases behind; DNA casts doubts on some of Lake state’s attorney’s biggest prosecutions” (News, Dec. 16), and some comments that were made in the article about Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Waller (specifically, the comment from a defense lawyer who stated that Waller has a “black mark” on his tenure because of the outcome of some recent court decisions, and the claim from a candidate who wants to succeed him, who accuses Waller of not understanding “what evidence means”).
As Waller stated in the article, he is not very adept about tooting his own horn. However, those who know him and who have interacted with him on a consistent basis over the years can attest to the fine reputation he has earned for professionalism, integrity and decency. I served with Waller as a member of the Governor’s Commission on Capital Punishment for several years. I have also represented clients in cases against the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Anyone who claims that Waller doesn’t understand evidence or that he is reckless in the quest for a conviction with no regard for a defendant’s rights does not know what he or she is talking about. Waller is a thoughtful, honest and fair prosecutor. I suppose that if critics were inclined, they could judge any public official who has served for many years and who, therefore, has made literally thousands of decisions by a handful of those decisions, using the brilliance that hindsight affords. But fair-minded people who take the time to actually look at the long record of this fine public official will understand that Michael Waller has served with distinction as the state’s attorney of Lake County.
— Tom Needham, Chicago
