At the most recent meeting of the county legislature, local political gadfly Ken Walter called on me to step down, claiming that my job as deputy county attorney presented an ethical conflict with my campaign for district attorney. 

This same false narrative was then picked up and promoted by full-time paid political operative Bill Liblick on his Facebook page. 

I realize we are in the political silly season, but false statements like these are beyond the pale even now. 

I have worked as an attorney for three decades, the overwhelming majority of which has been spent serving the residents of Sullivan County. I have always put the interests of this county first and have never once been accused of any ethical violation—that is, until I chose to run against the darling of the Sullivan County political establishment, Brian Conaty. 

The facts are that nothing I have said or done during my campaign presents any ethical conflict. 

Brian Conaty should be ashamed of himself for promoting these stories through his political allies, and he ought to apologize for his own lack of judgment and professionalism.

Thomas Cawley is the Republican candidate for district attorney in Sullivan County, NY.

[Editor's note: Below is a response to Conaty's claim Bill Lublick is a paid political operative.]

Tell me who paid me!

Tom Cawley should be ashamed of himself. His opinion diatribe displays why he is unfit to be the District Attorney of Sullivan County.

To call Ken Walter, a senior citizen who dedicates his life for the good of Sullivan County, demeaning names like “gadfly” is deplorable.

Ken has every right to state to the legislature that he feels it is a conflict for Cawley to remain a high-profile county attorney as he runs for DA. And I have every right to report that.

Cawley’s statement that I am a “paid” political operative is a damn lie. I would like him to tell me who pays me. I would like to know.

Anyone who knows me knows no one controls me or tells me what to write or say. I continually dedicate myself to our community because I want us to have the best representation.

I am very proud the Sullivan County Post group I created on Facebook is an important outlet for news, information and discussion.  

Brian Conaty is part of the new honest independent leadership we desperately need. You on the other hand Mr. Cawley will say anything to get votes. Shame on you!

Bill Liblick
Swan Lake, NY