On October 26, 1969, P. David Soares was born in Brava, Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa. David is the youngest of five children born to Lucas and Lidia Soares. When David was six years old, his family moved to the United States and settled in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where his father found a vocation as a carpenter, and his mother worked at the local mill. At an early age, David’s parents instilled in him the value of family, education, hard work, and active participation within a strong community. Although David grew up in a rough neighborhood, loving friends and a strong community surrounded him. Neighbors kept an eye on one another’s children and were quick to lend a hand. This upbringing encouraged David to believe in the goodness and potential of all people if given the proper guidance. His parents’ emphasis on education provided a solid motivation for David’s future goals in life. David received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Cornell University where he met his future wife Tina Pantuso. David then attended Albany Law School and received his law degree in 1999. As he had at Cornell, David worked his way through law school at the Albany County Airport Authority and the District Attorney’s Office, where he later became an Assistant District Attorney under Sol Greenberg. As Albany County’s first community prosecutor, David established the Community Accountability Board, which continues to successfully involve community members in deterring youth from crime and drugs On November 2, 2004 David was elected the new Albany County District Attorney. One of the first actions taken by DA David Soares was to create Bureaus within the office with experienced Chiefs who oversee all cases, reinforce David’s commitment to vertical prosecution and ensure that “One Standard of Justice” is a practice, not just a slogan. David also brought the District Attorney’s office into the 21 st century by introducing the latest in wireless technology. With only a handful of computers in the office in December of 2004, David ensured that every ADA had a computer and the ability to communicate with members of the office, law enforcement and community at a moments notice with cell phones and blackberries. As an ADA and now as the DA, David fights crime with the lessons his parents taught him, “help and protect those who may not be able to protect themselves.” David has successfully helped to redefine the role of the Albany County DA as the criminal justice prosecution arm for the entire state of New York with a focus on public integrity. Additionally, he has effectively shifted the paradigm for criminal enterprise prosecution by moving up the food chain to shut down entire networks rather than taking out the endless supply of street level criminals. Since taking office, David has instituted numerous initiatives including:
As a frequent Public Speaker, DA Soares continues to speak at events both locally and nationally such as:
David is an active member of the Albany County Community volunteering and working for several community organizations and committees:
David has also received a number of awards and recognitions including:
During the remainder of his first term, David plans to continue and expand on the successes of his initial initiatives, reduce street violence through creative, non-traditional means, build hope for the people of Albany County by restoring the community, deal with the crisis of re-entry and emphasize prevention over prosecution. David lives in Albany County with his family where he is proudly known as a father, husband, neighbor, coach, and teacher. |
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