We Endorse Janet DiFiore for District Attorney

We Endorse Janet DiFiore for District Attorney

One of the most important votes that the people of Westchester will make on November 3 is to select the county’s next district attorney (DA). As the chief law enforcement officer for all of Westchester’s 950,000 residents, the DA presides over the prosecution of most criminal cases, and ensures the safety of all Westchester families.
There are three choices for DA before the voters this year —Janet DiFiore, Dan Schorr and Tony Castro. DiFiore, the incumbent Democrat, is completing her first four-year term as Westchester district attorney. She has a record of achievement and accomplishment in keeping Westchester safe, and the people of Westchester are comfortable and satisfied with her record.
Schorr, Republican candidate for district attorney, is an interesting prospect for DA. He has brought to the debate worthy topics of review, including a review of DiFiore’s record of plea bargaining. But these issues, along with Schorr’s lack of leadership experience, leave us wanting more.
Castro was not qualified to be district attorney when he ran in 2001 and 2005, and lost again in September’s democratic primary against DiFiore; he remains unfit today. Castro toyed with the idea of leaving the race to run for a position as Republican Supreme Court judge, in a foolishly planned attempt to give Schorr the Independence line. In addition, Castro tried to punch holes in DiFiore’s record, all without properly highlighting his qualifications, and ideas, to protect and serve the people of Westchester.
Several recent prosecutions by DiFiore point to the challenges that the DA must face every day in order to keep county families secure: The recent conviction of a persistent and violent burglar in Yonkers will result in the perpetrator’s going to jail for the next 16 to 25 years. The conviction of level two sex offender Eugene Feeney, who raped and imprisoned his former girlfriend, will result in his facing 25 years to life in jail. Andre Ferguson, who lured teenage girls and then raped them, will —thanks to DiFiore’s successful prosecution —face up to 29 years in jail.
DiFiore’s recent conviction of criminals involved in a multi-million-dollar cigarette ring, as well as a prostitution ring bust, point to her well-rounded abilities and strong prosecution team.
In addition to her record of four years of accomplishment as DA, DiFiore has decades of experience in service to the people as a judge and prosecutor. She represents Westchester as a working mother and wife, and has earned the trust of the people of the county she has called home for decades.
We endorse Janet DiFiore for district attorney