2009 Essex County Election Coverage

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 -1 a.m.

Essex County District Attorney

Julie Garcia

Age: 46

Party: Registered Republican running on Democratic line

Education: Sienna College, B.A. in Social Work 1995; Albany School of Law, J.D. 1999.

Occupation: Essex County District Attorney

Organizations: Board of Directors New York State District Attorney's Association, Governor's Task Force On Impaired Driving, Co-Chair B.E.S.T. Task Force

Political Experience: Previously an Assistant District attorney in Suffolk and Rensselaer counties.

Quote: "It is my duty and obligation to seek truth rather than conviction. I will continue to be tough, but fair. I will not allow the influence of others to drive the way cases are handled in Essex County. All elected officials must carry out their duties with honor and integrity."

"We will continue to prosecute violent felony offenders aggressively. These crimes include domestic violence and sexual assault cases. We will continue to secure state prison sentences for these crimes when appropriate."

"Alcohol related crashes kill more people in our county than any other crime. That is why I will continue to hold defendants accountable for driving while intoxicated the first time, rather than the second or third time they are arrested."

Kristy Sprague

Age: 37

Parties: Republican, Independence, Conservative

Education: SUNY Plattsburgh, B.A. in Political Science with minor in Psychology 1994; Albany Law School, J.D. 1998.

Occupation: Chief Assistant District Attorney, Clinton County

Organizations: New York State Bar Association, New York State District Attorney's Association; Essex County Republican Women; Clinton County Bar Association; Essex County Bar Association

Political Experience: 2005 candidate for Essex County District Attorney

Quote: "I plan to be a hands-on prosecutor who will vigorously prosecute all crimes to include drugs, sexual abuse and domestic violence. I will use my 11 years of experience to run an office with the highest ethical and professional standards. I will try the tough cases as I have in the past, as I have tried successfully over 50 cases during my career."

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