DA candidates piling up endorsementsDate: 10/19/2010 Oct.18,2010
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
As Nov. 2 approaches, the two candidates in the race for Hampden County district attorney remained very active announcing initiatives and accepting endorsements.
Sen. Stephen Buoniconti received the endorsement of Congressman John Olver, who said, "Sen. Buoniconti has done a great job representing Hampden County in the legislature. As chairman of the Joint Committee on Financial Services, and member of the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, he has demonstrated a superior work ethic and in-depth understanding of our public safety issues and concerns. This first-hand experience and institutional knowledge will enhance his ability to lead the district attorney's office in January."
On Oct. 9, Buoniconti also announced that he would create a consumer fraud unit within the district attorney's office, if elected. An emphasis of that unit would be identity fraud, something that Buoniconti's wife has suffered.
"Identity theft, scams, and fraud cases can be as simple as the example above, but are often highly technical, and can require coordination of efforts across local, state, and federal jurisdictions. The consumer fraud unit that I will establish will consist of dedicated assistant district attorneys who are experienced in this highly technical case work and victim witness advocates who will serve as a resource and primary point of contact for victims. I intend to work directly with representatives from local police departments, as well as the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, United States Attorney, and State Attorney General to develop a coordinated and comprehensive plan for combating identity theft, successfully prosecuting criminals, and assisting victims," he said.
The new unit would also "intensify efforts to combat the disturbingly high incidence of auto-insurance fraud in the Springfield/Holyoke area to make our roads safer and reduce insurance premiums for good drivers across Hampden County (This area currently has the highest rate of auto insurance fraud in the state)," he added.
The new unit would also address scams and fraud by area physicians and chiropractors.
On Oct. 14, Buoniconti also received the endorsement of State Sen. Michael Knapik and Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik.
Mark Mastroianni picked up two endorsements from law enforcement union members. In a letter dated Oct 8., West Springfield Police Capt. D.J. Murray, president of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) supervisors Local 365 and Officer H.S. Reese Jr., president of IBPO Local 365, endorsed Mastroianni's candidacy.
Both candidates met with union members and answered questions from them.
"We based our decision on your broad range of experience as a prosecutor, attorney in private practice, your more than 20 years of courtroom experience in the state district, superior and federal courts. We need a district attorney who will focus on prosecuting criminals before anything else and after listening to you, we believe you are that district attorney. What impressed us the most about you, Mark, was your 'truthfulness.' You didn't give us the politicians 'tell them what they wan to hear' answers, but you were very candid and so truthful in your answers," the officers wrote.
On Oct. 12, Mastroianni also received the support of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the union representing the state troopers. Trooper Jeffrey Gordon said the union members requested the endorsement and many have worked with Mastroianni either as a prosecutor or as a defense attorney. In either capacity, Gordon said the troopers have seen a "a consummate professional."
He said Hampden County would be "much safer if Mark is in that office."
Gordon added this kind of endorsement is "fairly rarely" done, as there is a very slow turnover of district attorneys in the state.
Gordon explained the endorsement came after soliciting the opinions of union members, which was then evaluated by a 15-member board.
Mastroianni called the endorsement "extremely rewarding."
Mastroianni reacted to Buoniconti's announcement of a fraud unit by noting the district attorney's office already plays a role in that kind of crime. He questioned whether or not the office has the financial resources to support a new initiative and said Buoniconti's proposal "is evidence of a lack if understanding how the district attorney's office works."
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