Barbara Lee: Morse is innovative, compassionate and not guilty of any misconduct

Re “Ex-prosecutors say DA made lewd comments” (Front Page, Feb. 27): I have known District Attorney Larry Morse Jr. for many years. I also know the McKinneys. My husband Bob Lee was the DA of Santa Cruz County for 12 years, until he passed in 2014. I was extremely disheartened to read the article accusing DA Morse of misconduct related to former employees.

Larry Morse is one of the most compassionate, skilled and innovative DAs in the state. He cares deeply about his community and the people in his office. He would never purposely harass anyone, male or female. To the contrary, he is very supportive of his staff in work and in life.

As one who has worked in criminal justice for 28 years, I know humor is sometimes used as a way to deal with job stress. I have no doubt that Morse’s attempt at humor was just that, and not meant as harassment or to offend. Morse often greets friends and relatives, young and old, with a kiss in public. The suggestion that one kiss, in front of the spouse, five years ago is newsworthy and such a huge violation seems distorted.

There is a process for reporting sexual harassment. It does not involve bypassing all steps and going straight to a reporter.

This story was originally published February 28, 2018 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Barbara Lee: Morse is innovative, compassionate and not guilty of any misconduct."