NEWS
Editorial A Fond Farewell
District Attorney Jim Sacket announced his retirement recently. Unfortunately, he steps out of the limelight at a time when experience is needed.
According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Schoharie County's crime rate fell 29.1% between 2013 and 2014, the last full years available. The overall state trend was moving downward, but Schoharie's reduction was the second sharpest in the state. The violent crime rate went down at an even faster clip, although that may be more of a relic of our small population. This may be partly due to stepped up enforcement methods from the Sheriff’s Department and State Police. Still, the trend was bold.
Schoharie County aggressively prosecuted a number of burglaries and property crimes in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The reassuring presence of enforcement put minds at ease after the initial spike in robberies.
Mr. Sacket is always humble about his time in office, often allowing for the County’s reduced crime rate to speak for itself. Jovial and personable, the District Attorney’s years in office came during times of controversy.
Mr. Sacket was a font of knowledge during multiple points of his career. In addition, Mr. Sacket and law enforcement laid the foundation against the creeping tide of opioid abuse. The DA cites the epidemic as his office's largest struggle, especially due to related crimes, such as burglaries.
There will be big shoes to fill. So far, only Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith has formally announced his candidacy to the public. Other qualified candidates, including current Assistant District Attorney Susan Mallery may be sure to follow. They’ll be following Mr. Sacket’s lead.
According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Schoharie County's crime rate fell 29.1% between 2013 and 2014, the last full years available. The overall state trend was moving downward, but Schoharie's reduction was the second sharpest in the state. The violent crime rate went down at an even faster clip, although that may be more of a relic of our small population. This may be partly due to stepped up enforcement methods from the Sheriff’s Department and State Police. Still, the trend was bold.
Schoharie County aggressively prosecuted a number of burglaries and property crimes in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The reassuring presence of enforcement put minds at ease after the initial spike in robberies.
Mr. Sacket is always humble about his time in office, often allowing for the County’s reduced crime rate to speak for itself. Jovial and personable, the District Attorney’s years in office came during times of controversy.
Mr. Sacket was a font of knowledge during multiple points of his career. In addition, Mr. Sacket and law enforcement laid the foundation against the creeping tide of opioid abuse. The DA cites the epidemic as his office's largest struggle, especially due to related crimes, such as burglaries.
There will be big shoes to fill. So far, only Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith has formally announced his candidacy to the public. Other qualified candidates, including current Assistant District Attorney Susan Mallery may be sure to follow. They’ll be following Mr. Sacket’s lead.