Candidates make their case in DA’s race

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The three candidates for Livingston County district attorney have moved from the court of law and into the court of public opinion.

And the main question for voters seems to come down to experience — who has the most or who has the best?

The race drew widespread attention after a topsy-turvy Republican primary election in September characterized by absentee counts and courtroom challenges that only earlier this month determined who was in the race and which candidate would run on which party line.

District Attorney Gregory J. McCaffrey, a Democrat who was appointed to the post earlier this year, is a former Monroe County prosecutor and general practice attorney. He is facing challenges from Republican Party candidate Eric Schiener, who worked for the Livingston County DA’s office for nearly 13 years until he was let go by McCaffrey, and Conservative Party candidate Steven Sessler, a former military prosecutor, trial attorney and for 10 years, a Livonia town justice.

Each is seeking a four-year term.

McCaffrey plans to continue what he set out to do when he took office — streamline prosecutions and make this an aggressive, efficient and effective office, he said. He also wants to boost the office’s community profile, through school visits and working closer with law enforcement and public.

During his time in Monroe County, McCaffrey, a York native, said he handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases, and several hundred felony and misdemeanor trials. And, he said, his experience at both prosecuting and defending clients in the county sets him apart from his opponents. In addition to his courtroom work, he is the only candidate who has led the DA’s office, even if just for five months.

“The message is not how long you’ve been doing something,” McCaffrey said. “If you’ve handled a lot of different cases in a short amount of time, there is value in that. What are you looking for, how long have you been doing something or what have you done?”

Schiener was hired by then District Attorney Thomas E. Moran in 1999 and his work in the office included a six-year stint as first assistant district attorney. He, too, calls on his record as a prosecutor, handling thousands of infractions, violations and misdemeanors as well as appeals in the county, and his work overseeing drug and alcohol treatment court cases and managing sex offender cases.

Schiener said the office is highly ranked and highly regarded in New York, but one that could be improved. He would do a better job of educating youth and informing law enforcement and the public about the function of the office and the law.

He wants to dedicate a prosecutor to animal-violence cases and would work to improve technology in the courtroom to help jurors.

“I have been a prosecutor in Livingston County and when you run for Livingston County district attorney, I think it speaks volumes,” Schiener said. “I have worked with Livingston County victims and Livingston County law enforcement.”

Sessler wants to develop a team of prosecutors who are respected for their judgment and trial ability, as well as help foster their skills so they can be satisfied in their careers.

The wisest course for the future is to evaluate the DA’s office by talking with prosecutors and staff, see what’s going on before recommending a long-term plan, he said.

“It’s hard to point a finger at any one thing and say this has to change,” Sessler said. “The office is going to be independent and stand on its own merit.”

Decisions would be made based on the experience and judgment gained during his 23-year legal career. He has been in the field longer than his two opponents have combined, and so he will approach the office with a seasoned and different perspective, Sessler said,

“At some point in time, you have to go into the courtroom and exercise judgment,” Sessler said. “It would be better to have multiple perspectives and I can do that.”