Two common targets of editorials in this and many other papers have been prosecutors and judges who have been soft on crime, and public officials in general who don't listen to their constituents.
That's why when public officials get it right, it's worth pointing out.
And Lyon County seems to have gotten it right with the conviction of Joshua Lockwood on three felony counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 16. Now, because of an aggressive prosecution effort, Lockwood faces a sentence of life with a minimum of 20 years for each count. Lyon County District Attorney Robert Auer vows to press for three consecutive life sentences when Lockwood is sentenced on Dec. 3.
That's tough punishment, and appropriately so.
Lyon County residents who've been critical of the DA's office following a recent plea agreement with another sex offender who was accused of repeatedly raping two young girls over two years, should take heart with this statement from Auer:
"The Lyon County District Attorney's Office listens to and understands the position of its citizens and, starting with this conviction, commits to emphasizing enforcement efforts in the field of sexually related crimes."
The office has also instituted a system designed to ensure there won't be any letdown on future cases. Prosecutors on all Class A felonies now must talk with the victims of a crime or the victims' families, consult with the detectives or deputies that worked the crime and approve any plea agreements with Auer or Assistant District Attorney Mark Krueger.
Now that's a tough message. Our guess is it will be heard loud and clear by anyone considering committing crimes in Lyon County.