SULLIVAN -- In the absence of an appointment from Governor Andrew Cuomo, Meagan Galligan expects to assume the role of Acting District Attorney (DA) on January 1, 2020, becoming the first woman in Sullivan County history to hold that office.

“It is a privilege to work on behalf of the people of Sullivan County to make our communities and homes safe,” Galligan said in a statement released yesterday. “I will continue to advocate for what is right, for what is just, and for the safety and security of each of us who make Sullivan County home.”

Galligan would serve as acting DA for a one-year term ending on January 1, 2021. She's announced her intention to run as a Democrat for a full, four-year term in next year's November election cycle.

She takes over for outgoing District Attorney Jim Farrell, who was elected last month to replace retiring Sullivan County Court Judge Frank LaBuda.

Galligan said having already served for more than a decade in the DA's office makes her uniquely qualified to succeed Farrell, as she has “developed meaningful relationships with our county's police agencies as prosecutor in charge of matters ranging from pre-arrest investigations, search warrants, and trial and appellate advocacy.”

A Port Jervis graduate who grew up in Liberty and Forestburgh, Galligan earned her law degree from Georgetown University in 2006.

Former DA Steve Lungen hired Galligan in 2009 and over the next 10 years she rose through the ranks to become Chief Assistant District Attorney.

Galligan said justice for victims of violent crime would remain a top priority at the DA's office, citing the recent shooting in the Village of Monticello.

Galligan said the DA's Office would continue to address the opioid epidemic through the use of diversion and drug treatment programs.

“My focus is to try to divert very low-level drug offenders into treatment programs to get them off that path toward felony crimes,” Galligan told the Democrat yesterday.

While a debate about the pros and cons of bail reform recently passed in New York State continues, Galligan said her focus would be enforcement of the law.

“It's a reality. There's no use focusing anymore on whether it should or should not have occurred, because here we are with it,” Galligan said. “What we have to do is educate our police and prosecutors on the impact of the legislation and what we can do as law enforcement to keep people safe.”

The post of Acting DA is a gubernatorial appointment, but Governor Cuomo has typically deferred to the outgoing District Attorney in deciding what's best for their jurisdiction. In 2016, for example, Gov. Cuomo declined to appoint a successor to Ken Thompson in the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

Rumors have persisted in recent weeks that Judge LaBuda is interested in the position once he retires from the bench. He has not commented on these rumors, citing ethical considerations as a sitting judge.