Atmosphere Charged at D.A. Forum : Politics: Two aides say why they want Dist. Atty. Michael Capizzi’s job--in his presence. He listens, then states his own case.

The Saturday meeting of the Garden Grove Republican Women’s Club was held in a genteel climate--coffee and rolls at the Hyatt Hotel and warm hellos for the guests, the three candidates for district attorney in the June 5 election.

But the tone quickly shifted away from the social niceties when the first speaker, Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas Avdeef, lashed out at his boss, newly appointed Dist. Atty. Michael R. Capizzi, who was sitting five feet away from him.

“I believe the administration (Capizzi) is out of touch with the office itself,” Avdeef claimed, citing the fact that 55 deputies have left the office within the last two years. “That adds up to 125 years of experience. . . . You can’t buy that. You can’t go down to the store and get another deputy D.A.”

Referring to the board’s appointment of Capizzi to replace Cecil Hicks in January when Hicks accepted a judgeship, Avdeef said, “the politicians have taken over the prosecutor’s office.”

But if Capizzi was ruffled by Avdeef’s remarks, he did not show it. In fact, he barely let anyone know he was aware that Avdeef and the third candidate, Assistant Dist. Atty. Edgar A. Freeman, were in the room.

The Republican forum for the participants in the nonpartisan race was typical of how the three candidates have so far run their campaigns: Avdeef on the attack, Capizzi playing on his role as the incumbent already ensconced and Freeman almost apologizing that in order to get any points across, he must boast about himself.

“It’s somewhat awkward to talk about one’s accomplishments,” Freeman told the small gathering. “It’s contrary to the concept of humility.”

Avdeef made no criticisms of Freeman. It was clear that he was aware that Capizzi is his target.

Most pundits in political circles and at the county Courthouse consider Capizzi a shoo-in, especially now that he can run with the title of incumbent next to his name on the ballot.

Capizzi enjoys the backing of all five members of the Board of Supervisors, most of the major political leaders in the county, and, until his appointment to the bench, his mentor, Cecil Hicks. The judicial conduct code forbids Hicks from continuing his public support, which he had given shortly before his appointment to the bench.

Also, Capizzi is the only candidate with enough money to bankroll a sophisticated countywide campaign. He had raised more than $100,000 by a month ago, nearly 10 times that of his two opponents combined.

But Avdeef has not allowed these differences to cut into his enthusiasm.

“My opponent, Mr. Capizzi, said there are no issues in this election; I beg to differ,” Avdeef told the group. Crime is up 7%, there is an increasing gang problem and there is a leadership problem within the district attorney’s office, he said.

Avdeef also chastised Capizzi for not answering a question from the audience. A doctor in the room wanted to know where the district attorney’s office stood on complaints about Sheriff Brad Gates, primarily from Gates’ longtime foe, George Wright.

Avdeef said he is aware of complaints about Gates brought to Capizzi’s attention but that so far Capizzi has refused to say what he has done about them.

Capizzi told the group only that he built his reputation in part on prosecuting politicians--more than 50 in his career, including a former congressman and three members of the Board of Supervisors.

Later, Capizzi told reporters that he did not intend to respond to Avdeef’s insinuations.

“I will only say, without referring to anyone specific who might have brought a complaint, that we will not prosecute any case where we find no merit.”

During his formal remarks, Capizzi’s only reference to Avdeef and Freeman was to defend himself against Avdeef’s attacks that morale might be bad in the office.

“We have a reputation for honesty and integrity,” he said. “They (his opponents) can say what they will about the office; it’s a good office . . . the best in the state, if not in the nation.”

Freeman relied on his longtime experience as a prosecutor--more than 23 years as a supervisor within the office--and the fact that during most of his career he has focused on narcotics cases.

“I see narcotics as the most important issue facing us,” he said. “Seventy to 80% of all crime is related to drugs.”