I am the mother of nine children, all of whom I love and am deeply proud of.

My late husband, Robert Buschman, and I as well as my family have been involved in our community and St. Alphonsus Church for more than 50 years.

Our family suffered the tragic loss of my daughter Linda 20 years ago from a violent crime; a crime that was not professionally investigated or prosecuted. We will never know the closure a criminal justice system can and should provide all victims of violent crime and their families. Most especially our elderly, women and children - our most vulnerable population.

I have chosen to endorse Mike Bass for district attorney for this reason.

First, I need to disclose that Mike Bass was my son Steven's law partner before Mike chose to support his wife's promotion out of town. I have fine sons and feel pride in Mike's choice.

Most importantly, I believe Mike Bass has the moral courage, commitment and legal skills to prosecute all types of violent crime at trial. Our community desperately needs our next district attorney to stop all the plea bargaining on violent crimes against our elderly, women and children, allowing these predators back on the streets. Mike Bass is a proven trial lawyer, willing to take on these most sensitive and difficult cases. Victims deserve their day in court.

As a mother from this community who lost a daughter tragically to a violent crime, I support Mike Bass of district attorney.

Shirley Buschman

Auburn