Bristol County District Attorney candidates staked out their claim for the seat in a debate that touched on ICE, police misuse of Flock cameras and the Lindsay Clancy case.
WPRI hosted the Oct. 2 debate between Republican former Fall River City Administrator Seth Aitken and Democrat Chris Markey, who has been state representative of the 9th Bristol District since 2011. He stepped down to run for DA.
The candidates took questions from hosts Tim White and Ted Nesi, and were allowed 60-second closing statements.
They’re seeking to replace retiring incumbent District Attorney Tom Quinn III, a Democrat who has served in the post since 2015.
It’s the first open race for Bristol County District Attorney since 1978 when five Democrats competed for the nomination ultimately won by Ronald Pina. Aitken is the first Republican to run for the post in more than 50 years, according to election records.
On ICE, the candidates took differing approaches.
Markey said the DA should ensure federal immigration enforcement does not interfere with the administration of justice in Bristol County.
He said he cannot impose his views on the federal government, but as DA he would act if ICE enforcement disrupted a prosecution.
“I can't impose my beliefs onto the federal government, but what I can do is make sure that it doesn't interfere with the administration of justice, which is the oath that I will take for Bristol County,” Markey said.
Aitken said he would not take ICE off the table as a law-enforcement partner but acknowledged potentially systemic problems with the agency's training and tactics.
“I can't impose my beliefs onto the federal government, but what I can do is make sure that it doesn't interfere with the administration of justice, which is the oath that I will take for Bristol County,” Markey said.
Aitken said he would not take ICE off the table as a law-enforcement partner but acknowledged potentially systemic problems with the agency's training and tactics.
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