New D.A. Reportedly Seeking Funds From Staff

Dist. Atty.-elect Terence Hallinan is asking some prosecutors in his office for contributions to pay off his campaign debt, while at the same time reviewing their job status, a legal newspaper reported Thursday.

Hallinan, interviewed about the story in the Recorder, said it was all a misunderstanding, and agreed that aides shouldn’t be asked for money while their jobs are on the line.

Hallinan, a city supervisor, defeated Deputy Dist. Atty. William Fazio in a runoff election Dec. 12 after both men outpolled Dist. Atty. Arlo Smith in last month’s primary. He takes office next month.

The office’s 110 lawyers, who serve at the district attorney’s pleasure, mostly supported Fazio over the more liberal Hallinan. Hallinan has said he plans to eliminate some management positions.

The Recorder said at least two assistant district attorneys received “Dear Friend” letters from Hallinan on Wednesday, seeking contributions of up to $500 to eliminate his campaign debt.

Hallinan, when contacted Thursday, said his campaign fund-raising assistant sent letters to everyone who had contributed to Fazio. Those included some prosecutors, he said, but he added that he doesn’t know or care who they are, and would not consider contributions when reviewing anyone’s job status.

Asked whether aides whose jobs he is reviewing should be asked for contributions, he said, “They shouldn’t be.” He did not indicate plans to withdraw the fund-raising letter but said lawyers in his office should feel free to disregard it.

“I’m not keeping a list and checking it twice,” Hallinan said.