George Borrello, Chautauqua County executive and state senator-elect, held a press conference to air out concerns of impending criminal justice reforms next year. Borrello joined by local police chiefs and other local representatives, called for the repealing of reforms impacting bail and discovery laws. P-J photos by Jordan W. Patterson

MAYVILLE — George Borrello, joined by local police chiefs and Chautauqua County officials, called for the repeal of impending criminal justice reforms earlier today.

“Start over,” said Borrello, county executive and state senator-elect, during a press conference that was called to address concerns regarding bail, discovery and speedy trial reform laws set to take effect Jan. 1.

Under the new bail reform law, most charged with misdemeanors and non-violent felonies will be released under supervision (RUS). With discovery reform, the District Attorney’s Office will have 15 days to present full discovery evidence in all cases or they will be dismissed.

Borrello called on the state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who signed the reforms into law, to repeal the changes before Jan. 1. Borrello said the governor can alter the reforms if a special legislative session is called to address statewide concerns.

“The state is forcing us to release criminals onto our streets without any measures of ensuring that they will return to face their trial and face their justice,” Borrello said of bail reform.

In attendance were Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone; Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings, Dunkirk Police Chief David C. Ortolano and Lakewood-Busti Police Chief John Bentley, state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, state Assemblyman Joe Giglio, District Attorney Patrick Swanson, Public Health Director Christine Schuyler and Jacqueline Phelps from U.S. Rep. Tom Reed’s office.

The local law enforcement officials and local representatives discussed the public safety, judicial and budgetary impacts of the reforms that will take effect Jan. 1.

During the conference, Borrello even addressed the criminals being impacted by the reform changes, “next year is going to be a great year for you in New York state.”