I just finished trying a two week case where the DA’s office was seeking a murder 1 verdict.  From the beginning I evaluated the case as no greater than involuntary manslaughter, a charge to which my client was always willing to enter a plea of guilt. Instead we spent thousands of your tax dollars and two weeks of precious court time arriving at the involuntary manslaughter verdict which I was confident would occur at the onset. What really got me was that the DA employed 2 highly compensated experts and then never called them to testify at trial.  One of the many reasons I have decided to stand for election is due to what I perceive to be poor decision making.  Ask any York County attorney who deals with that office and you will hear similar laments.

These past several weeks have been busy.  I was honored to be asked by the Republican County Chairman to serve as parlimentarian for our Party’s reorganization meeting. For the first time since 1960, the 300 person committee was considering significant rule changes as to how our local party functions.  Big change was in the wind which had the potential to create a chaotic meeting.  Instead, it was government at its best.  Yes, there was lively discussion, but it was orderly and respectful. 

I was again impressed when a week later I was again honored to serve as parlimentarian for the Party meeting called to replace State Representative Bev Mackereth, who was on the ballot, but retired to accept a position in County government.  The meeting was preceded by a blistering newspaper editorial as to the selection process, which by the way, was mandated by the Rules of the Party.  The Committee people who I saw, took the duty thrust upon them, and performed it seriously and with great dignity. Again, government at its best.  Hats off to the Republican Committee!

Today I attended arraignments.  For those of you who may not be aware, this is when a defendant is to be afforded an opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.  Nearly everybody enters a plea of not guilty because the DA’s office is not in a position to discuss the merits of the case.  They simply have not looked at the file.  But that’s another issue to cover in another blog.  What stunned me was that there sat 10 Assistant DA’s, taking biographical information (birth date, height, weight etc.) from defendants.  First, that information is already in the possession of the Commonwealth, having been taken at the time of booking. Second, for an office that keeps complaining about a lack of attorney manpower, this is a terrible waste of Assistant DA time and could be done by non-lawyer staff. That way, only one Assistant DA would be needed to sign the form.  Again, I spoke up–but to deaf ears.    

One of the nice things about being involved in criminal justice for over 30 years is hearing so many ideas from folks who would like to see improvements in the way our justice system functions.  I get to hear different perspectives from those who work within the system as well as those who see the system from a consumer standpoint such as victims, witnesses, jurors, and even defendants.  It’s really heartening that so many folks are concerned enough to make their thoughts known. Repeatedly over the years I’ve voiced those ideas to all in the DA’s office who would listen.  It’s recently come to my attention that the DA’s office is finally moving to make some of the improvements I have long been advocating.  Whether this is in response to our campaign or it just took 22 years to get off the ground, I don’t know.  What is important is some effort at change seems to be taking place.  They’re listening–finally.  So, please keep giving me input.  I’ll continue to advocate for York County and together we will insure an improved system! 

Hello! Thank you for viewing my blog page.  The committee has been formed, I’ve visited with elected row officers, state legislators, the Association of Police Chiefs of York County, our party chairman, and numerous Republicans throughout the County.  The feeling within our community is that “Its Time!”  I am honored to have the kind support I’ve been receiving in my travels and intend to make “Its Time!” the theme of my campaign. Feel free to contact me with your thoughts and I look forward to meeting with you as I travel around our great County of York. 

The Tom Kearney for DA Committee of York County, Pennsylvania unveiled its website today. Please be sure to visit the website and learn more about Tom and the campaign.

Welcome to the campaign news blog for Tom Kearney.  Tom is running for District Attorney of York County, Pennsylvania.  Please check back often for news and information about Tom’s campaign and for press releases.

To learn more about Tom, check out his election campaign website: www.tomkearneyforda.com 

Primary election day will be in May 2009.  Don’t forget to vote and make your voice be heard!