Gonzalez looks back on term as district attorney

By Deborah Gonzalez

As my tenure ends, I am grateful to reflect and express gratitude in my final newsletter as District Attorney of Athens Clarke and Oconee Counties.

Serving as your District Attorney has been the most incredible honor of my life.

Throughout my time in service, I have been privileged to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated professionals who strive daily to make our community safer and more just. We faced challenges, but we also saw tremendous progress. From reducing crime rates to expanding support for victims and their families, we made a difference.

My team and I achieved much to be proud of! Our administration was full of exciting firsts and accomplishments. We began the SAFE (Strategically Addressing the Fentanyl Epidemic) initiative in collaboration with the ACCPD. We held our first-ever SAFE Resource Fair alongside the ACCPD and Drug-Free Athens. We honored our community partners in our first-ever Community Partner Appreciation Celebration. The Western Judicial Circuit was staffed with nationally credentialed victim advocates for the first time in history. We hosted two Art and Social Justice Initiative events. One of the events highlighted what justice looks like through the eyes of youth in the community with our Seats of Justice Competition. We showcased artwork that identified the impact of human trafficking on our community. Our team held its first week-long survivors' celebration during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. We also delivered on my promise of transparency by publishing two informative impact reports.

Our successes would not have been possible without the dedication of our entire team, law enforcement partners, and support from the community.

Although I will no longer serve as District Attorney, my commitment to justice remains unwavering. I will continue to support and work with the people and organizations focused on making our community a place where all citizens can thrive. I have already met with my successor to ensure a smooth transition and continued service to the public.

I am thankful for your trust in me during my time in office. I know that the work of justice is never done, and I will carry the lessons I learned with me throughout my life. As I look ahead to new opportunities and challenges, I will never forget the privilege of serving you.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I wish the best for all of you and our community moving forward.

This is not 'goodbye,' but 'see you soon!'