By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – As St. Lawrence County residents head to the polls in a few weeks former Canton Town Justice James Monroe, a Democrat, says his relationship with local law enforcement will help get the dysfunctional district attorney’s office back on track.

Monroe said he decided to run because he was dismayed over the quality of justice in St. Lawrence County over the past few years.

“I have a stake in this community. I have been a resident since 1963,” he said. “I know what the problems are, I know who the problems are I raised a family here and I think that’s a huge separation from my opponent,” he said.

Timely Prosecution

Like his opponent Monroe recognizes problems in the district attorneys office. He said slow resolution of cases is unfair to victims, defendants and law enforcement agencies that make the arrests. He says he sees the problem as a lack of organization, but says it’s something he can fix.

He said a major aspect of that issue is getting the proper staff and providing them the mentorship they need.

“I think I need to have people work me that I trust to make decisions in local courts. They need the power to reduce misdemeanors, to answer motions or dismiss cases if it’s in the interest of justice. I think we need to give the assistant district attorneys more power,” he said.

Monroe unlike Pasqua wants to keep a felony bureau, which would include attorneys who specialize in felony cases, which is similar to the model used by Mary Rain. Monroe says handling a grand jury is not easy.

“The old saying that a DA can indict a ham sandwich doesn’t apply anymore. It’s not an easy skill set. You don’t throw first or second year ADAs into that situation,” he said.

Monroe says there needs to be someone overseeing the violent crimes, sexual crimes and homicides.

He said lesser felonies could be handled by ADAs under his vision. He would also like to see a second executive district attorney that could run justice courts. Someone to guide the less experienced attorneys.

The Drug Problem

As St. Lawrence County continues to battle a major drug problem, Monroe says he has ideas that can help turn the tide. He says drug courts in St. Lawrence County are underutilized. He says modifications to how drug courts currently operate could make them more effective.

Monroe says defense attorneys have become weary of accepting drug court agreements because if they make a mistake while taking part in the program they end up with a maximum sentence. For addicts the likelihood of making a mistake while on probation is high, so in many cases defense attorneys shoot for reduced jail sentence rather than rehabilitation programs, because of that fear.

“Addicts don’t like being closely supervised. The drug community is savvy. They know what’s going on they see people violating probation and getting 15-18 years, they rather serve five and get out,” he said.

But taking jail time rather than rehabilitation means the addiction is less likely to end.

“I think the drug programs need more leeway,” he said. We need away of reincentivizing people to get help, find beds for people and help them get clean.”

As for the suppliers Monroe says they need to be put away.

Experience Matters

Monroe says he has 26 years of experience as an attorney. Monroe received degrees from University of Buffalo and was admitted to the bar in 1992. He worked as an assistant district attorney before resigning that position under then District Attorney Richard Manning.

In 1994 he went into private practice and until 2009. He then served as a prosecutor under Nicole Duvee until 2014 when Mary Rain took office. He has since served as Canton Town Justice, but resigned that position to run for the DA job.

Monroe says his local connections and experience make him the ideal candidate.

“Gary Pasqua is a nice guy from Franklin County,” he said. “But I am the best qualified candidate. I am a St. Lawrence County native, I know the issues, I have a relationship with local law enforcement agencies and I know what needs to be done.”

Learn more about Monroe at https://monroe4da.com/home-2/issues-justice-for-a-change/