There’s still work to be done.

That was Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson’s message Tuesday as he announced his re-election bid to about two dozen supporters who gathered outside the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

“I’m going to ask the community to re-elect me, not for what we’ve done over the last four years, but for what we’re going to do in the next four years to keep Douglas County safe,” said Branson, 38.

When Branson first ran for office four years ago, he pledged to spend more time in the courtroom. He said he’s kept that promise by prosecuting a wide range of cases, from traffic hearings to murder trials.

Among other accomplishments, he cited creation of:

¢ Douglas County’s first Consumer Protection Division, meaning local victims of frauds or scams don’t have to travel to Topeka to report crimes.

¢ An education program to familiarize victims and witnesses with the court system before testifying at trial.

¢ An internship program with KU’s School of Social Welfare to work with victims of domestic violence.

¢ A community alert network where local service agencies, churches, business leaders and civic organizations work together to help prevent crime.

In announcing his re-election campaign, Branson said he wants to continue the work he started four years ago.

“We must continue to make Douglas County safer, to make criminals pay for their crimes and to make this community a safe home for our families and children,” he said, with his wife and two children by his side.

Branson said he wants to work on creation of a local crime victims compensation board; to continue to push for establishment of a Douglas County child advocacy center; and to expand his consumer protection division to increase its educational outreach.

Branson has officially yet to file paperwork with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office. So far, he has no opposition. The filing deadline is June 10.