Mr. Barone shared personal stories of his family and being raised in this city during the 1960s. His grandfather moved here from Buffalo and was the City Physician until the 1940s.  Then Ned’s father, also a surgeon,  came back to Jamestown in the 1960s, after serving in Korea.  Since there was no Emergency Room in Jamestown, Dr. Barone was expected to work emergencies which made 20 hour workdays.  

Mr. Barone’s first experience at the County was with Attorney Ed Fagen  - a 70 hours work week in which Fridays were mental health days; balance is important. Ned knew he wanted to do criminal defense. He had a strong desire to help people.  The criminal justice system has many problems, but public defenders are protecting our constitution and our communities. Mr. Barone went on to share that our rights can easily be trampled on.  Many people in the system have no money, no family, have mental health issues or drug issues. They have a myriad of issues and struggle to just get through the day (which led to a tribute to Van’s Hotdogs a restaurant under the viaduct where the homeless hangout).  

His office is modeled after the Bronx Department for indigent providers which requires that every individual must be represented. They practice a holistic approach to charges; they see each client as an individual.   The local office has certified case workers familiar with services in which to refer clients. The case workers may personally take a client to get housing, addiction counseling, or mental health services.  Treating the whole individual helps prevent recidivism.  Their task is not an easy one and doesn’t always work.

NYS has become active in giving grant money to assist with caseloads.  Over the last 12 years the Public Defenders’ budget has skyrocketed. NYS funds have made it possible to have over 20 fulltime attorneys in the local office which is the largest public defender’s office in the southern tier.  The local office handles over 10,000 cases per year, one of busiest in NYS outside of the 5 NYC boroughs.  (Also, Jamestown City Court is the busiest in all of western NY. ) The jobs that are created by this office are a tremendous asset that financially supports our community.  The Public Defender’s office has grown so large because of NYS who now divides areas into regions.  Mr. Barone expressed his opinion that eventually NYS will run all public defenders’ offices.   The local office has very difficult cases;  NYS has required that each attorney limit themselves to 250 felony cases.   Mr. Barone is proud of his office, the attorneys and support staff; they care about people and our community.  The staff work closely with Sherrif Quatrone which produces change.  There are three offices in the county, one each in Mayville, Jamestown and Dunkirk as most clients have difficulty with transportation. 

In closing Mr. Barone stated “It’s all about working together.”  Their offices take on the toughest cases. He believes all clients should be represent to the fullest of their ability.   Most people who get arrested are not bad people.   Most people in the 1960s had families that cared about them, who worked, who went to bed at night feeling safe, in the morning there would be breakfast and clothes to wear to school.  That doesn’t happen often today.  We’re all in this together, don’t assume because someone is arrested that they are guilty.  People need a fair shake in the courtroom.  Lastly, Mr. Barone made a plea for organ donations by a signature on your license or in your living will.  He is a recipient and knows the importance of donations.  For a full report of Mr. Barone’s presentation which is full of stories and personal experiences, please listen to the recording which is located on the website.