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January 1, 2008

Friends & Voters,

About a year ago, I was having lunch with Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca. He confided in me that after 12 years in office, he would retire at the end of his current term.

As I drove back to my office in Farmington Hills, I wondered who would replace Dave? I asked myself - what does it take to be the Oakland County Prosecutor? Obviously, it would need to be someone who has worked with the law enforcement community. Someone with the support of police unions such as POAM, FOP and MAP, and victims rights groups such as MADD, HAVEN and Parents of Murdered Children. I wondered which of the many attorneys I knew had the leadership and executive organizational skills to lead Oakland County’s largest public law firm, and would at the same time be a fiscal conservative and a good steward of the public trust?

An hour or so later, I noticed a news article describing the gruesome murder of a child here in Oakland County. The article included statistics showing an overall increase in all crimes involving children. Having worked with law enforcement and in the courtroom for the last 14 years, I shouldn’t have been surprised.

As I had dinner with my wife and children, I could not help but look at my then 4-year old daughter, and 2-year old son, and think about the article. While part of me was angry at the thought of any child being a victim, I also became more resolved in doing something about it. In this time of uncertainty, with a tough economy and crime rates rising, our next Oakland County Prosecutor must be a person who will be beyond reproach, with the highest ethical standards, who will work with and stand up for the law enforcement community, and place the highest priority on protecting our most vulnerable.

Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer, endorses Larry Leib.

A few days later, I laid out my concerns to a local group of police chiefs. They all agreed that our next Prosecutor needs to be tough, but also a proven community leader with a balance of experience in both the law and in working with community groups. I was flattered when several of the chiefs encouraged me to run.

Later that afternoon, I visited with Oakland County Executive and former-Oakland County Prosecutor L. Brooks Patterson. I have known Brooks both personally and professionally for almost 40 years. Brooks didn’t hesitate and urged me to proceed as a candidate. I remember well Brooks’ tenure as Prosecutor, and was humbled by his encouragement.

Recently, I met with Brooks again, who reiterated his enthusiastic support of my candidacy. In addition, I have met with dozens of public figures like Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Clerk Ruth Johnson, Senators Mike Bishop, Nancy Cassis, and John Pappageorge, and others who have all taken an interest in the race. I have met with City Mayors and City Councils, with Township Supervisors and Township Boards, and municipal employees - all of whom support my candidacy. I have met with county leaders in Wayne and Macomb Counties to discuss regional cooperation. I have met with dozens of community prosecutors, city attorneys, and heads of major law firms who have also endorsed my candidacy. But most importantly, I have met with dozens of Police Chiefs like Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer and Novi Police Chief David Malloy, the current President of the Oakland County Chiefs Association both of whom have endorsed my candidacy. In addition, a great number of police unions like the Farmington Hills Police Officers Association have also endorsed me. I am fortunate to have such a great team!

Later this month, I will make my candidacy official, the date and time will be scheduled over the next week, and I hope that you will join me for this event.

Truly,

Larry Leib