Public safety is the number one priority and addressing the underlying issues that cause individuals to break the law is in our long term best interest. I graduated from Dryden High School in 1985, where I was a three sport scholar-athlete. Seven days after high school graduation, I reported to the United States Military Academy at West Point, which was a transformative experience. In addition to
a top flight education, I learned invaluable lessons about life, honor, respect, dedication, time and stress management, hard work and friendship. I graduated in 1989 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged in 1992, I entered law school and graduated in 1995. I have practiced law for more than twenty years. I was in a courtroom my first day as a licensed attorney and I have spent countless hours since that day advocating for clients in the courts of Tompkins County. The main theme of my practice has been trial work, whether criminal, civil, family court divorce, landlord/tenant, or federal bankruptcy cases. While I cannot presume to speak for the other attorneys or judges with whom I have interacted over the years, I certainly hope that they will unanimously say that I conducted myself with integrity and respect while still zealously advocating for my client and his or her cause. I encourage you to speak with local judges, attorneys and court personnel to hear their perspective. Tompkins County is a wonderful place to raise a family. Being a good father is my proudest accomplishment. My daughter, Cody, graduated from Ithaca High School and is now a senior at the University of Colorado. I coached her softball and soccer teams in Lansing when she was a small child and I was a faithful supporter of her volleyball teams through high school. As a parent, I know that the principles of social justice, due process, and ethical, yet strict law enforcement are crucial to ensure that Tompkins County continues to be a safe and healthy place for families. WHY AM I RUNNING? The citizens of Tompkins County need to feel confident in their elected officials. As District Attorney, I will institute a new level of transparency and communication in our community. Tompkins County must have a reputation that people who break the law will be prosecuted with the safety of the community as our foremost priority, but also will be treated fairly and their rights protected. Alternatives to incarceration are a valuable part of our criminal justice system but they must be utilized effectively. For example, Treatment Court for drug offenders can change lives and transform addicts into law abiding citizens, but Treatment Court is no place for dealers who abuse the system then go right back to putting dangerous drugs on the street. The District Attorney’s Office has to put in the extra time and effort to ensure that the ATI programs are not diluted by those who are not truly eligible. The District Attorney must work to train and improve the local law enforcement agencies’ education with regard to individual rights and constitutional protections. With such training, the number of charges which end up being dismissed for technical reasons will decrease. This saves valuable funding and protects the individual rights of our citizens. The District Attorney has an obligation to communicate regularly with the people of this county, and to listen to their concerns. If the level of respect and understanding increases, the level of cooperation also increases and the level of problems decreases. It is very easy for a career prosecutor to lose touch with his or her constituents and become tone deaf to the issues and priorities of the community. I am running for District Attorney because I know I can make a difference. I will work tirelessly to ensure that I have the confidence of the people of Tompkins County and to promote a reputation that the District Attorney’s Office operates with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and inclusiveness.
