Neversink

To the editor:

During a recent Sullivan County Press Conference, Sullivan County Attorney, Michael McGuire, referred to our Acting District Attorney, Brian Conaty, as “unhinged”. 

This remark comes as a result of Acting DA Conaty’s accusation that McGuire refused to act, which, in turn led to the tragic, untimely death, of 16 month old Akasha Luvert due to a fentanyl overdose. McGuire also claims Mr. Conaty’s comments are “callous, misleading and demonstrate a level of poise and demeanor incongruent with one who seeks to hold office of DA in this or any county.” McGuire continues to state that his staff enjoys a distinguished reputation as members of the bar.

It may be so, that the county attorney’s staff enjoys a distinguished reputation as members of the bar, but this is quite questionable for our county attorney. Let us not forget on March 18, 2020, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct released a Determination that Honorable Michael F. McGuire should be removed from judicial office due to allegations of serious misconduct, abuse of authority and lack of candor. The report specifically states “due to the respondent’s (McGuire’s) misconduct, particularly his repeated abuse of the summary contempt power and his representation of his son and others while a full-time judge, meets the standard of “truly egregious” conduct for which his removal is warranted.”

In August 2018, McGuire was served with a Formal Written Complaint by the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct containing thirteen charges.

The Determination is very disturbing, as are the multiple, various allegations. If you have not read the 66-page Determination, I would encourage you to do so. It can easily be found on the internet by typing “NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct Michael McGuire” in the search bar. 

The NYS Court of Appeals suspended McGuire from his position of County Court Judge on April 30, 2020. Before the ink was dry, he was hired by the Sullivan County Legislature in a vote of 6-1 as County Attorney despite public opposition at legislature meetings and his recommendation for removal from the bench by the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct. 

It’s hard to believe the Sullivan County Legislature could not find a more qualified, honorable candidate to fill the position of County Attorney. How is one supposed to trust or respect McGuire? 

Who is really the unhinged one and whose comments were callous, misleading and demonstrate a level of poise and demeanor incongruent with one who seeks to hold office? 

McGuire’s term for County Attorney runs until 2024 when the next legislature is sworn in. Ask yourself if you want to support a legislator that voted for McGuire’s appointment to County Attorney. I certainly do not and will not, but I will be voting for Brian Conaty. A man that enjoys a distinguished reputation as a member of the bar.