Editor’s Note: The service that provided the virtual chat with candidates is no longer available. Below is the article we published in the Oct. 9, 2024 edition.
ALBANY—As the election for Albany County District Attorney approaches, Democratic candidate Lee Kindlon and Republican candidate Ralph A. Ambrosio are laying out their plans to tackle key issues within the county’s criminal justice system.
Both candidates come with decades of legal experience but offer differing approaches to issues like violent crime, public safety, and office management.
Kindlon, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience, began his career as a Marine Corps judge advocate and has prosecuted cases ranging from drug possession to war crimes. He believes the District Attorney’s office requires a complete overhaul, especially in addressing gun violence.
“The office is plagued by years of mismanagement and atrophy,” Kindlon said in his campaign questionnaire. “We must begin an extensive rebuilding and training program to confront the challenges of a stagnant crime rate and the ongoing problem of gun violence.”
Kindlon is advocating for a more hands-on approach, promising to be actively involved in the courtroom alongside assistant district attorneys. He envisions increasing resources for violent crime and targeting the illegal gun pipeline into the Capital District.
On the other side of the race, Ambrosio, a veteran and retired New York State Police officer, touts 47 years of legal and law enforcement experience. Ambrosio has worked as a prosecutor, public defender, and Assistant Attorney General, and he believes his extensive career gives him a broader perspective on the role of District Attorney.
“I’m a veteran, a retired police officer, a former prosecutor, a former assistant attorney general, and I’ve been in private practice,” Ambrosio said. “My opponent does not have the experience or perspective that I have.”
Ambrosio’s platform centers on cracking down on violent criminals and repeat offenders. He strongly opposes recent criminal justice reforms, such as “Bail Reform” and “Raise the Age,” which he argues have contributed to the rise in crime.
“They have had serious negative consequences on our quality of life and have degraded public safety,” Ambrosio said. “I’m going to aggressively prosecute violent criminals and get them off the streets.”
While both candidates are focused on public safety, they differ on how to balance it with criminal justice reform. Kindlon has proposed a strategy that focuses on distinguishing between dangerous offenders and those who might deserve a second chance.
“We need to bring more cases against those who would seek to do harm to our communities while giving a second chance to those who are deserving,” Kindlon explained. “I am the only candidate with the experience and the judgment to be able to make that distinction.”
Ambrosio, however, takes a more hardline approach, stating that public safety must be the priority above all else.
“My only interests are truth, justice, and public safety,” Ambrosio said. “I want criminals to be held responsible for their crimes and I want to make sure innocent people are exonerated and their rights protected.”
Both candidates also highlighted the importance of community engagement. Kindlon envisions holding listening sessions with residents to better understand the needs of the community and to foster transparency. He also plans to reinstate a “ride along” program for assistant district attorneys to gain firsthand knowledge of the neighborhoods they prosecute.
Ambrosio stressed that the justice system should be an “open book” and wants to ensure that transparency is a key part of his administration. He also voiced support for sealing the records of individuals with one-time, non-violent offenses, believing it can prevent long-term impacts on their lives.
In terms of managing the District Attorney’s office, Kindlon criticized the lack of leadership training and staff development under the current administration. He proposed rigorous training programs and an audit of the office’s finances to ensure resources are being used effectively.
“I’ll show up, roll up my sleeves, and do the hard work with the people in my office,” Kindlon said. “We need accountability and leadership.”
Ambrosio, on the other hand, has outlined a plan for implementing early case evaluations and central booking as a way to streamline operations and ensure that cases are handled fairly and efficiently.
“Early Case Evaluation and Central Booking will be the cornerstone of the changes that I will implement,” Ambrosio said. “It’s about fairness, efficiency, and justice.”
Answers to this article and online virtual candidate conversation were collected through a questionnaire emailed to Lee Kindlon and Ralph Ambrosio. The same courtesy was extended to current Albany County District Attorney David Soares. Soares declared he would lead a write-in campaign after losing his party’s nomination. His office did not respond to our request.