Essex GOP picks Sprague for DA

By LOHR McKINSTRY
Staff Writer

April 01, 2009 03:28 am

— ELIZABETHTOWN — The Essex County Republican Party Committee got behind Kristy Sprague for county district attorney and incumbent Henry Hommes for sheriff Tuesday night.

Three candidates for district attorney and two for sheriff sought the party's coveted endorsement to run for office.

More than 100 Republicans packed into the Old County Courthouse, taking seats in both the main gallery and the balcony.

Candidates drew numbered ping-pong balls from a box held high by St. Armand Supervisor Joyce Morency to choose the order in which they'd address the committee.

"I always think endorsement meetings are the highlight of the year," County Republican Chair Ronald Jackson said. "When you leave, there will obviously be people happy and people disappointed. But I hope everyone will get behind our candidates."

DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Asking for endorsements for district attorney were incumbent Julie Garcia of Westport; and challengers Kristy Sprague of Plattsburgh, formerly of Moriah; and Brian Barrett of Lake Placid.

Sprague said the nomination "isn't about me" but about electing "someone with a proven track record."

She said she's recently established the North Country's first Child Advocacy Center.

"I had the opportunity to try two homicide cases, handling 50 of my own witnesses and over 700 items of evidence."

Sprague said sexual abuse and drug cases are being ignored.

"Essex County has serious problems. The present administration has created an illusion that crime rates are low and conviction rates are high."

Barrett said he's been both a prosecutor and defense attorney.

"If I'm elected, I'm going to treat everybody fairly."

Garcia was elected four years ago, in a three-way race in which Sprague was also a candidate. Sprague is an assistant DA in Clinton County, and Barrett is an attorney in private practice.

Former DA Ronald Briggs wrote committee members a scathing six-page letter criticizing Garcia's term as district attorney. Briggs decided not to run for re-election as DA four years ago, when Garcia took the party's endorsement.

Garcia said she appreciated people putting their trust in her when they first elected her DA.

She said she founded the BEST Task Force that enlisted police and other agencies in a proactive effort against drinking and driving.

"We have busted underage drinking parties, and we have pushed hard for tougher sentences for adults who provide alcohol to minors."

Listing several fatal crashes that involved alcohol, Garcia said that was why "we have one of the toughest DWI policies in New York state."

She said she intends to release her entire record soon for people to see.

The nomination went to Sprague with 8,254 votes. Garcia received 3,623 votes, and Barrett, 215.

SHERIFF
The endorsement for sheriff was sought by 12-year incumbent Henry Hommes and challenger Michael "Ike" Tyler of Westport.

Hommes is a retired state trooper, while Tyler currently serves as a state correction officer.

Hommes said this is probably the last time he'll run for sheriff.

Although he's been treated for cancer, he said his doctor told him he'd be fine to run.

"I enjoy the job. I can do the job."

Hommes said the new County Jail is making money by housing outside inmates. The sheriff has a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service that pays a per diem rate for federal inmates.

"We are taking the burden off the taxpayers." Hommes said.

Tyler countered that the level of violence at the jail has been increased by boarding federal inmates.

"The main concern I have is for the safety and well-being of the women and men who work at the Sheriff's Department. The federal inmates there, I think, are an issue."

He said it's the federal prisoners that have prompted the hiring of eight more deputies at the 120-bed jail, and a cost analysis should be done.

"I want to see the department run effectively and efficiently."

Hommes received the endorsement with 11,369 votes, to Tyler's 723. Another 422 votes were voided.

Getting the endorsement means the party asks Republicans to vote for the selected candidate, and some funding and help with petitions is available.

E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com

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