Countywide : Hicks Endorses Aide for District Attorney

Retiring Dist. Atty. Cecil Hicks for the first time Wednesday publicly endorsed his chief assistant, Michael R. Capizzi, for the county’s top law enforcement job.

A statement from Hicks, who recently announced he would not seek reelection in 1990 as district attorney, said he is excited about Capizzi’s candidacy and had encouraged him to seek election.

Hicks’ statement was distributed by Capizzi at a press conference in Santa Ana, where he officially announced his candidacy. Hicks was in Washington on county business.

“Mike Capizzi has exceptional experience as a great trial lawyer and a seasoned administrator,” the Hicks statement said. “We have many proud traditions in this office and no one is better equipped to continue them.”

Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas Avdeef has also formally announced his intention to run for district attorney in June, 1990.

At the briefing, Capizzi said he has hired political consultant Eileen Padberg to aid his campaign. Padberg directed Hicks’ last campaign.

Capizzi said he has not yet prepared a budget and is unsure about how much he will spend.

He said he hoped to raise campaign money from citizens “interested in maintaining a hard-working, aggressive, tough prosecutor’s office that is known for its honesty and integrity.”

Hicks has been district attorney for 22 years.

“I encouraged him to run, and I am excited by this announcement,” Hicks said in his statement.