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Two seeking to be St. Lawrence County’s next district attorney

Posted 5/1/17

Former St. Lawrence County Chief Assistant District Attorney David Haggard, a Democrat, announced his candidacy Friday at the Potsdam Civic Center, and Franklin County Assistant District Attorney …

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Two seeking to be St. Lawrence County’s next district attorney

Posted

Former St. Lawrence County Chief Assistant District Attorney David Haggard, a Democrat, announced his candidacy Friday at the Potsdam Civic Center, and Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Gary Pasqua declared in December.

Haggard served as District Attorney Mary Rain’s second-in-command for two years before resigning in March 2016, but has worked as an attorney for the past 12. Prior to that he worked as a vice president of Chart One Bank where he oversaw a region from Glens Falls to Watertown.

Haggard says he has also donated more than 3,000 hours to teach the Potsdam mock trial team, which has won the county meet nine times in the past 12 years. The team was additionally successful in winning the capital region contest three times under his guidance.

Haggard says St. Lawrence County needs someone with confidence and a steady hand to put the district attorney’s office back on track.

“Justice requires not only strong, but also compassionate leadership. Justice requires constant accountability. Justice requires a district attorney that understands they are responsible for the citizens of St. Lawrence County,” he said.

Haggard said as district attorney he would seek justice, not convictions. He said that distinction is something that has been missing for the past four years.

Haggard says he believes he can solve the problem of high turnover in the DA’s office. He said his management experience has given him the skill set needed to bring leadership to the county.

Haggard isn’t the only one seeking to replace Rain though. Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Gary Pasqua, a Republican, announced in December 2016 he will be running for the seat.

He has worked for the Franklin County DA’s Office since 2008 and has been chief ADA since January 2015.

Pasqua was critical of Rain when he announced his candidacy.

He criticized a number of felony cases that were dismissed due to speedy trial violations, meaning the case was not brought to court in a timely fashion.

He also believes he can resolve the problem of high turnover in the local DA’s office, and ensure there is adequate coverage in local courts, which handle cases including traffic charges and low-level offenses such as misdemeanors.

Mary Rain has served one term as St. Lawrence County’s top prosecutor. She replaced Nicole Duvé following a close race in 2013.