Cornell Announces Bid For Prosecutor

A deputy in the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office has announced his bid for election to the top spot next fall. Here’s the announcement received today from Adam Cornell…

Adam Cornell, a 15-year Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor, has announced that he will seek the elected Prosecuting Attorney job in 2018. Incumbent Mark Roe is retiring from the position and is endorsing Cornell, alongside former Governors Gregoire and Locke, County Executive Dave Somers, Sheriff Ty Trenary, and over two dozen other current and former elected and civic leaders.

This is Cornell’s first run for public office after working on complex criminal cases in the County, as well as a stint as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.

“I am excited to seek this new role, building on my experience and commitment to the families of Snohomish County,” said Cornell. “I want to be Prosecutor to preserve the tradition of seeking justice fairly, firmly, and ethically to protect our communities. I want to continue fostering collaboration and innovation among law and justice partners as we look for ways to not only enforce our laws and protect crime victims and their families, but adopt innovations that restore lives impacted by addiction and other crises.”

During his tenure at the Prosecutor’s office, Cornell has been integral to not only prosecuting some of the highest profile criminal cases, but also expanding alternative justice programs, especially those aimed to help people suffering mental illness and addiction crises receive treatment instead of costly and ineffective incarceration. Cornell views these types of alternative sentencing and treatment programs as critical to not only improving criminal justice, but also reducing low level property crimes connected to the opioid epidemic.

“Having stood at crime scenes with first responders and having later met with the families devastated by tragedy, I am unwavering in my dedication to justice and seeking sentencing that brings a degree of resolution in serious crimes,” said Cornell. “Alongside ensuring justice for crime victims and families, support is also needed for innovations like drug and mental health courts to help assist low level offenders with unique challenges that often require alternatives to traditional prosecution and sentencing.”

Cornell was drawn to the law by challenges he faced in his own life, growing up in foster care and experiencing the disruption and destabilization that results in disproportionately lower graduation rates, and higher involvement with juvenile justice. A longtime advocate for stronger outreach and intervention for at-risk youth, Cornell sees his role as Prosecutor take a higher profile role on behalf of kids and families.

“I want to be a Prosecutor who can be a strong voice for kids at risk of slipping through the cracks, making sure more foster children and those who face an uncertain future are given hope and opportunity,” said Cornell. “I want to inspire others to public service and civic engagement, and encourage a spirit of volunteerism that connects people to their neighbors in a meaningful way—for the good of everyone in our region.”

Cornell, a Democrat, begins the campaign with near-universal support from Snohomish County civic and elected leaders, as well as prominent statewide officials.

“I am honored to have earned the support of so many public officials, people who know my work and commitment to the people I have served and hope to continue fighting for in this new role. I look forward to the campaign ahead and the opportunity to meet with voters across the County in the coming year.”

Current endorsers include:

Statewide leaders:
· Former Governor Chris Gregoire
· Former Governor Gary Locke
· First Lady Trudi Inslee
· State Supreme Court Justice Bobbe Bridge (ret.)

Snohomish County Officials:
· Executive Dave Somers
· Prosecutor Mark Roe
· Sheriff Ty Trenary
· Clerk Sonya Kraski
· Councilmembers Brian Sullivan, Stephanie Wright, and Terry Ryan
· Superior Court Judge Joe Thibodeau (ret.)
· Former Auditor Bob Terwilliger
· Former Clerk Pam Daniels

State Legislators:
· Senators Marko Liias and Guy Palumbo
· Representatives June Robinson, Strom Peterson, John Lovick, and Ruth Kagi

City Officials:
· Everett Mayor-Elect Cassie Franklin
· Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson
· Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling
· Edmonds Councilmembers Michael Nelson, Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Diana Buckshnis, Kristiana Johnson, Dave Teitzel, Neil Tibbott, and Tom Mesaros
· Edmonds Police Chief Al Compaan