Mary Iocovozzi says she is the right candidate, with the experience and credentials to be an effective Herkimer County District Attorney.

Iocovozzi has been practicing law for 30 years, having received her degree from Pace University School of Law.

Two years ago she had a strong second place showing in the race for Family Court Judge. Her laws skills are easily transferable to a criminal court setting, she said.

Throughout her campaign, Iocovozzi has contrasted her lack of outside obligations with her opponent.

Jeff Carpenter, in addition to serving as Acting District Attorney, teaches a significant course-load at Herkimer County Community College.

Iocovozzi believes that kind of obligation to a second employer would necessarily impair a person’s ability to serve effectively as DA.

To support her conclusion, she states that between January and August of this year only one of 108 felony charges have gone to trial, many of the rest having been dispensed by means not involving a trial.

That sends a weak signal to felony offenders, Iocovozzi said.

And she said a District Attorney can and should do better in sending a message that felony crimes will not be tolerated.

“Again, I just don’t see someone having enough time to be a full-time prosecutor and also teaching students full-time, and having those dual obligations,” she said. Continue reading →