Murray GOP chairman says Sansone is clear choice for DA
Editor:
I am writing to express my strong support for John Sansone as the next Orleans County District Attorney. John has an impressive track record that speaks volumes about his dedication and capability.
John opened his personal practice in 1995, demonstrating his commitment to the legal profession and the community. He initially worked in the public defender’s office, where his talent quickly became evident. District Attorney Joe Cardone recognized John’s abilities and asked him to join the district attorney’s office part-time in 2007.
In 2011, John was offered the full-time First Assistant District Attorney position for Orleans County. However, he declined the offer because accepting it would have required him to close his practice, which he had built and nurtured for over 15 years. Instead, the position was later offered to Susan Howard. Contrary to the Howard campaign’s portrayal, John was not demoted. This can be confirmed by a letter from former Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt, which clarifies that John was not demoted.
The Howard campaign emphasizes her lifelong residence in Orleans County as a major qualification for the District Attorney role. However, this was not a concern in 2007 or 2011 when John was offered significant positions. Currently, John resides in the village of Holley in the town of Murray with his wife, Maria, who has deep roots in the village in which her family owned a business in the village for over 30 years.
To illustrate the irrelevance of being a lifelong resident for such a crucial role, consider this: if you had a severe medical condition, would you choose a top-ranked specialist in Erie or Monroe County, or would you limit yourself to a local specialist in Orleans County? Similarly, if the Buffalo Bills had passed on drafting a player like Josh Allen just to select a local quarterback from the University of Buffalo, it would have been a significant loss.
Since I mentioned the Buffalo Bills it brings up a question of two of Susan Howard’s endorsements. Former Buffalo Bill Lou Piccone is the president of the New York Diversion Management Company. Susan Howard was appointed as the Traffic Diversion Program Coordinator in 2011. It raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Piccone’s business may possibly lose revenue if the Diversion Program does not continue in Orleans County.
Additionally, with great great respect to former Orleans County Judge James Punch, it should be noted that his endorsement of Howard may be influenced by the fact that Punch’s son was offered a full-time Assistant District Attorney position if she were in office.
I was present at two presentations given by both Sansone and Howard, where they each gave a speech explaining why they should become the next District Attorney. The first presentation was at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association Local 2916 in which I was a former president or vice president for over a dozen years. The endorsement vote overwhelmingly favored John Sansone, with at least a 15 to 1 ratio.
I am also the chairperson for the Republican Committee for the Town of Murray. After their presentations to our committee, it was a unanimous 8 to 0 decision in favor of supporting John Sansone. The only reason we did not endorse him at the town level was that we chose to listen to their presentations and let the county-wide Republican Committee endorsement speak for itself.
The difference between the two candidates was quite evident. John came in with minimal paperwork, speaking confidently off the top of his head, and answered everyone’s questions directly, explaining why he wanted to become the District Attorney. Susan had elaborate handouts but did not seem as confident and appeared quite nervous in both presentations.
I am a retired senior lieutenant from the Sheriff Department’s Jail Division. In my experience working with John in local and county courts, John Sansone has consistently demonstrated his ability to run a courtroom effectively. He is well-prepared, confident, fair to both sides, and does not get bullied by defense attorneys. His handling of all situations is very impressive. The Town of Murray, the Village of Holley, and the Town of Clarendon have all hired John in the past as their local attorney, and they all had good things to say about him, showcasing his versatility in practicing various types of law.
Additionally, John was very honest about his stance on issues like the new county district courts, stating that he needs more information but currently does not believe it is a good idea and opposes its formation. In contrast, Susan avoided taking a clear stance, using vague language like “eventually it will get shoved down our throats.”
I also find it offensive that Mr. Pratt referred to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association as a small union and labeled us as the “good old boys club.” The reason we endorse John is because of how well his presentation was, our working relationship with him, and the fact that we do not want the District Attorney’s office to continue being the “good ole boys club.” I have also been quoted as saying several years ago that I believe John Sansone will make a great candidate for District Attorney in the future long before we even knew of any future elections.
Furthermore, we are not the only union that has endorsed John Sansone. The Orleans County Deputies Association and the Orleans County Sheriff himself have also endorsed John. I believe that speaks volumes by itself.
In conclusion, I would like everybody to please vote for John Sansone as the new Orleans County District Attorney in the primary voting on June 25th. I also support all candidates endorsed by the Orleans County Republican Committee.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Christopher
Town of Murray Republican Chairperson
