STATEMENT OF ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL MEMBER RICHARD CONTI ON THE APPOINTMENT AND PROSPECTIVE CONFIRMATION OF THOMAS MARCELLE AS ALBANY

COUNTY ATTORNEY

My political involvement in Albany politics began as an LGBT activist in 1987. Albany and New York State have come a long way since then when it comes to advancing human rights and embracing diversity. We must continue to move forward in these respects, not turn the clock back. That's why I'm deeply troubled by the appointment of Thomas Marcelle to be Albany County Attorney. Mr. Marcelles affiliation with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) should give serious pause for concern. The ADF is an organization that seeks to deny equality to members of the LGBT community, to deny a woman the right to choose, and to end the separation of church and state. This is some of the language (from their website) the ADF uses to divide us and malign the LGBT community: The homosexual legal agenda is one of the greatest threats to religious freedom in America today. For decades, radical activists, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its allies, have tried to divorce America from its Christian heritage and values. Their strategy is twofold: dilute moral values so that homosexual behavior is thought to be normal, natural, and good, while suppressing the religious and free speech rights of those who disagree. If they successfully impose their radical legal agenda, then all people especially Christians who do not affirm homosexual behavior could be silenced, punished, and possibly even jailed for so-called discrimination and intolerance. Some have argued that the County Attorneys position is not a policy making position, and therefore Mr. Marcelles views and past affiliations are not a relevant consideration. I disagree. The County Attorney is head of a public law firm that represents the residents of Albany County, is responsible for enforcing our laws and provides legal advice to the County Executive and County Legislature. Appointment and confirmation of the County Attorney is akin to a client seeking legal representation; you want to seek the best attorney or firm possible, but you also want an attorney or firm that represents your values. My concern with this confirmation does not relate to a disagreement on policy; however, the affiliation with an organization that vehemently seeks to divide is contrary to the progress we've made and to our collective values. I do not support Mr. Marcelles nomination as County Attorney and urge the County Legislature to reject this nomination.