John Gish moves to state office

WASHINGTON — Friends and co-workers of former Washington County Attorney John Gish gathered at his office in the courthouse Friday afternoon to see off the elected official. At time of writing, Gish has taken on a new role Assistant Attorney General for Victim Services to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Gish said it was a big change.

“It’s a little bittersweet,” he said. “It kind of comes in waves. An example is, I’ve been handing off all my cases … and seeing my caseload dwindle down to almost nothing was a realization that it’s pretty real.”

The attorney said he felt prepared to take on the state role, which administers funding, training, advocacy, outreach and coordination of victim services across the state.

“Too often in the criminal justice system, including in Iowa, crime victims are ignored,” he said. “Even prosecutors are guilty of not talking to victims, not incorporating them in the process. And this gives me an opportunity to work for an AG that really cares about enhancing victim services.”

As for how that change would come about, Gish said his department would have the budget to help people.

“Victim services hand out $20-$30 million in grant money every year to victims, law enforcement, prosecutors, that sort of thing,” he said. “Making sure those dollars are used in the best way possible to support every victim from around the state is something I think I can do.

“Coming from a rural community, especially, I think gives me better perspective so that we are not focused on metro areas. And then the rest of it, I think, is going to take time for me to understand.”

As he leaves Washington County, Gish said he was humbled by his time there.

“I’m extremely grateful for the people having faith in me, and supporting me both personally and professionally,” he said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com