By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
ALLEGANY — Cattaraugus County Attorney Ashley Smith announced Thursday she plans to run for district attorney in November.
Smith, of Allegany, is the second Republican to announce they are seeking the GOP nomination to succeed District Attorney Lori P. Rieman, who recently said she would not seek re-election.
Earlier this month, Preston Marshall of Randolph, an assistant public defender who was also a longtime assistant district attorney, announced plans to run for DA.
No Democratic candidate has announced plans to run for district attorney.
In a prepared statement, Smith a lifelong Republican and resident of Cattaraugus County, stated:
“We need principled Republican leadership in the District Attorney’s Office for the next four years and beyond,” said Smith. “I’m running on a platform of law and order that prioritizes the rights of crime victims and law-abiding citizens. I’ll stand against flawed Democrat policies like bail reform that coddle criminals instead of delivering justice.”
“As an experienced trial attorney, I’m ready to step into the role of District Attorney on Day One,” added Smith. “One of my top priorities will be tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, which has devastated families across and throughout the Southern Tier. I’ll aggressively prosecute dangerous drug dealers who peddle poison, while finding alternative solutions for addicts who are willing to put in the work to get better and become productive members of society.”
Smith was appointed county attorney by the Cattaraugus County Legislature in January 2020, to succeed Thomas Brady.
Smith said she has prosecuted serious cases involving neglect and abuse, family offenses, juvenile delinquency and more. She also prosecutes civil cases on behalf of the County, serves as legal counsel to the County Legislature and 24 county departments, supervises a staff of 14, and manages a $1.5 million office budget.
Prior to being promoted to her current role, Smith served as first assistant social services attorney, where she handled serious cases involving child protective services, abuse and neglect, custody, child support and adult protection.
Smith previously worked in private legal practice at Bly, Sheffield, Bargar & Pillittieri in Jamestown, was elected as Leon town justice, and served as municipal attorney for the City of Salamanca, towns of Napoli and New Albion and the Village of Cattaraugus.
She has also served on the New York State Attorney for the Children Panel and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Jamestown Bar Association, and Cattaraugus County Bar Association.
As a lifelong resident of Cattaraugus County, Smith said she has made giving back to our community a priority throughout her life and career.
She volunteered as a member of the board of directors for the YWCA of Jamestown, as a Mock Trial coach at Panama High School, and assisted indigent community members at Southern Tier Legal Services.
Smith is a member of the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee and president of the Cattaraugus County Republican Women’s Club.
Smith and Marshall can begin circulating nominating petitions on Feb. 25, which must be filed with the Cattaraugus County Board of Election by April 3. The primary — if both candidates qualify for the Republican ballot — is June 24.
Smith did not return a call Wednesday seeking comment, but she is expected to seek the Conservative line on the November ballot as well.
Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman Mark Heberling said last week he considered Smith the front-runner because of her experience.
Marshall served as an assistant district attorney for nearly 15 years and the past five years as an assistant public defender.
