Local attorney Valerie Adams announces bid for Cumberland County District Attorney, criticizes current office

Valerie Adams used the council’s public‑comment period on April 13 to introduce her campaign for Cumberland County District Attorney and to argue the office needs stronger internal leadership and clearer transparency.

Adams described a legal career spanning defense work, immigration practice and prosecution and said she believes the DA’s office should focus prosecutorial resources on serious and violent crime while expanding and standardizing diversion and treatment options for lower‑level matters. "I'm running for the office now again because I know that we can do better," she said.

She criticized the current District Attorney’s availability and delivery on promised reforms. "The current District Attorney ... is unfortunately a bit of an absentee District Attorney. She's somebody who doesn't answer emails or phone calls, is not often in her office or in the courtroom," Adams said. She also stated that, in her view, line prosecutors would vote no confidence in current leadership if not for fear of termination; no DA response was on the record during the meeting. Adams offered to return if the council would host a forum with the incumbent and said she would make herself available for questions and follow‑up.

The council did not take action on the remarks, which were presented under public comment. The comments are a campaign announcement and a set of criticisms made in a public forum; they were not part of a formal hearing or contested proceeding.