Letter to the Editor: Dave DiCarlo for DA

On November 8th, the voters of Washington County will be tasked with choosing the next district attorney. It’s a decision that should be made based on the merits of the current regime (of which one of the candidates is closely connected) and the professional experience of the candidates.

When voters last went to the polls to choose a district attorney in 2007, the choice was between neophyte Steve Toprani and the embattled incumbent John Pettit, who had occupied the office for 24 years. At the time, I felt as though the citizens would be better served without the attendant controversy of another term under Mr. Pettit and thusly supported Mr. Toprani. The voters concurred. 

Three years later, the race for the DA’s office is between . And, while neither of the two players from 2007 is involved in the race for district attorney the need for regime change in that office remains (Mr. Vittone was an assistant district attorney under Mr. Toprani). While the current district attorney enjoys the press garnered by the drug task force, the sad truth is that the conviction rate does not begin to merit the headlines. Additionally, under current management, charges against defendants are frequently dismissed as cases expire under Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 600. Such shoddy management cannot be permitted to continue.       

In considering the relative experience of the two candidates, the choice is clear. While both have served as assistant district attorneys at points in their careers, Mr. DiCarlo’s overall experience in the halls of the criminal justice system far exceeds that of Mr. Vittone. Mr. DiCarlo prosecuted hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases, trying more cases in his first year as an assistant district attorney than Mr. Vittone has in his entire career. Furthermore, Mr. DiCarlo has participated in more than 40 jury trials and thousands of non-jury trials and hearings in state and federal court and has argued twice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.   

The district attorney’s office needs a professional who is not beholden to the current regime and will know what needs fixed and have the wherewithal to do so. We need a DA who will see to it that he and his ADAs are prepared, effectively trying cases in an appropriate and timely manner, while putting the welfare of the public above headlines. The new district attorney should be a proven prosecutor who will set the tone for his office. For these reasons, I believe that David DiCarlo is the best candidate for district attorney.

-Scott Burrows, Peters Township resident