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In Kingston, Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji is pushing for a change that would allow him to hire assistant district attorneys from outside the county. During a recent Law Enforcement and Safety Committee meeting, Nneji highlighted the challenges his office faces in recruiting and retaining qualified attorneys. The county's rural geography, limited housing availability, and rising housing costs are cited as factors that limit the pool of candidates.
According to Daily Freeman, the committee approved a resolution asking the state to pass a "home rule request" to permit hiring from outside Ulster County. This move comes after legislators agreed to increase salaries for assistant district attorneys, which has led to a rise in applicants. However, the District Attorney's Office still faces "persistent vacancies and increased caseloads" due to criminal justice reforms.
Nneji expressed gratitude for the salary adjustments, stating, "If you and the exec had not taken the care and concern to up the salaries, this would not be happening, we would still be suffering." The resolution will be considered by the full Legislature on Tuesday, April 21.
Currently, there are seven vacancies in the office, and Nneji has already hired a few new assistant district attorneys, with three more waiting to join. He continues to interview applicants for the remaining positions.