GOP names DA candidate

After months of sitting on the sidelines of the Bronx district attorney election, the borough’s Republican Party nominated Robert Siano for the position on Saturday.

The move followed a decision from longtime DA Robert Johnson, who had the nomination from Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives, to cancel his plans for re-election to the office last month. Since the announcement came after he won a Sept. 15 primary, state law left it to political parties to nominate replacement candidates. The Democrats chose Darcel Clark in a Sept. 24 convention as Mr. Johnson said he will seek a judgeship.

The maneuvering has drawn widespread criticism from good government groups, who accuse Bronx Democrats of conspiring to leave voters out of the process.

Republican officials turned a reporter away from Saturday’s meeting at their Middletown Road office to nominate Mr. Siano. In a phone interview, he said he also received the Conservative Party’s nomination and will focus on introducing himself to voters between now and the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot. 

“Public service has always been something I enjoyed,” said Mr. Siano, who has unsuccessfully run for judge in the past. “People are looking for change and we’re hoping we can bring that to them.”

While he has incorporated the theme into his campaign slogan, “It’s a new DA,” the local lawyer shied away from criticizing Mr. Johnson or other Bronx Democrats.

“I have a lot of respect for Mr. Johnson,” he said. 

Mr. Siano, who received his law degree from St. John’s University, currently handles family court appeals for the Law Offices of Kevin B. Faga in White Plains. Among other experience, he has worked as a trial attorney for the city’s Administration of Children’s Services. 

“I think hopefully I can bring objectivity to the office,” said. Mr. Siano. “Having been in the courts, seeing how it works, I can recognize what’s right and what’s wrong.”

Mr. Johnson has faced withering criticism for long delays in trials and a low conviction rate during his 27 years in office. But Mr. Siano declined to discuss the outgoing DA’s reputation or conviction rate, only remarking that the Bronx has the potential to become “better.”

Northwest Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who is second in command at the Bronx Democratic County Committee, said he does not expect next month’s election to be close, but welcomed the entry of another candidate.

“I’m very happy there’s a contest,” he said. “It does create an opportunity for there to be some attention to the race.”

It will be an uphill battle for Mr. Siano to gain recognition and votes in the heavily Democratic borough.

“I’m going to get out there as much as possible and introduce myself to people. They’ll see the enthusiasm I have for the law and for the Bronx,” he said.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY Administration office at 4292 Broadway in Washington Heights, is open Monday through Friday, from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop in or make appointments by calling 800-772-1213. The Web site is www.ssa.gov.