Inyo County Assistant District Attorney Joel Samuels confirmed that he has given notice that he will leave his job March 7th. Samuels had earlier taken out petitions in lieu of filing fees to run for District Attorney.
As for his plans to run for office, Samuels told Sierra Wave Media that he has not made any decisions. He said he currently “has no active candidacy.” However, he also said he is keeping his options open. Samuels made it clear he will continue to work as an attorney.
Why has he resigned his position? Samuels said only, “I no longer believe the office of the District Attorney is headed in the right direction.” He declined to elaborate. Samuels had long worked as a deputy and as assistant to former DA Art Maillet. When Maillet retired, he supported the Board of Supervisors’ selection of Samuels as the new DA.
Former District Attorney Phil McDowell recommended attorney Tom Hardy. The Supervisors made him their choice. When it came time for the DA election, Hardy stepped forward to run and it seemed his assistant did too. The last day to file declarations of candidacy is March 7, Joel Samuels’ last day on the job.
I don’t know Charles. I have meet both Hardy and Samuels briefly. They both seemed very intelligent and polite. But I would have to say that Samuels came across to me as having much more of a likable personality for public office. Please understand that I don’t approve of a… Read more »
Trouble, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Samuels and if he is staying in the area, hopefully we will meet someday. I do know Tom and I support his bid to be elected as D.A. As to judging Samuels on his relationship with Malliet, That Maillet was elected… Read more »
Benett, It would be interesting to know exactly what Mr. Samuels meant by “I no longer believe the office of the District Attorney is headed in the right direction,” I suspect, as he is still currently working for the D.A., he feels constrained by circumstance. Not commenting while still working… Read more »