Sometimes, voters must make a choice between weak candidates. That can be a painful process.
But Lawrence County voters won’t have that problem in Tuesday’s contest for Lawrence County district attorney. The two candidates running are well qualified and possess true potential.
Democrat Joshua Lamancusa and Republican George Freed are seeking what amounts to the top spot in the county on next week’s ballot. Although there are other county offices listed, the incumbents have no opposition.
Because Lamancusa defeated current district attorney John Bongivengo in the spring primary, this is basically an open seat.
Both candidates tout credible backgrounds and experience in terms of being able to serve as district attorney. Lamancusa, now in private practice, served for five years as a prosecutor and department supervisor in the U.S. Navy.
Freed’s background includes time as a New Castle police officer as well as an assistant district attorney with the county. He also has served as a college-level instructor for police trainees.
In assessing the job of district attorney, Lamancusa and Freed stress the priority of managing the office properly to ensure cases are handled in a timely manner. Dismissals of some cases — particularly those dealing with court rules regarding timely trials — have been a key issue in this campaign.
We also think the district attorney’s office needs to have a solid relationship with other court offices, area police departments and the public. We believe both Lamancusa and Freed can fill that role. In interviews with these two men, the editorial board of the New Castle News was impressed with their grasp of the job and their desire to put their mark on it.
In short, this race may be a no-lose situation for voters, regardless of who wins.
But in our endorsement for the contest, one factor made a difference. It dealt with issues of practicality and dealing with the job at hand.
While both candidates offered aggressive approaches, we found Lamancusa’s proposals overly so. We were particularly concerned with the revelation that he intends to examine all criminal cases in Lawrence County that have been dismissed or otherwise not pursued in the past year. He estimates the number at between 200 and 300.
By contrast, when Freed was asked about going back and reviewing old cases, he suggested it made sense only if new evidence has surfaced.
Considering the backlog both candidates cite in the district attorney’s office, we don’t think attention needs to be diverted from the cases that arrive on a daily basis. While specific circumstances may warrant a review of an old case, a blanket re-examination — in the expectation that maybe, just maybe, a problem will be found — is a dubious use of time.
In addressing this concern, Lamancusa said he alone, rather than others in his office, would handle this work. But the way we see it, even an energetic district attorney has only so many hours in a day.
Therefore, we are endorsing George Freed for Lawrence County district attorney. We believe he possesses the background, experience and practical approach best suited for this important position.
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Close contest
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High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board
