THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603220025
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Without detracting from the accomplishments of the candidates in the group from which the newest Virginia Beach judicial appointee was selected, I would like to comment on the recent articles and editorials in The Virginian-Pilot about Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Albert Alberi, who was also a candidate.
I was saddened to see a person of Mr. Alberi's integrity, dedication and talent turned into a dartboard by the media and by his political adversaries.
Although I have no political or social affiliation with Mr. Alberi, as a 23-year Virginia Beach Police Department officer, I have worked with and around him for more than a decade. During that time, I have been able to monitor Mr. Alberi's activities as a deputy commonwealth's attorney and also to note the reputation he enjoys in the local law-enforcement community.
Your newspaper dissected 10 years of this busy prosecutor's career, highlighting every misstep. I doubt that any one of us would withstand such scrutiny, but to be equitable, I think that your writers should have enumerated Mr. Alberi's many successes, as well.
You spoke of Mr. Alberi's being ``controversial.'' Because he has prosecuted numerous high-profile felony cases, both he and the cases are more likely to be considered controversial. I submit that it is far easier to be ``noncontroversial'' if one takes a safer and less public road, such as of those who practice civil or real-estate law might travel. Considering the fact that Mr. Alberi is known for his hard work and aggressiveness as a prosecutor, it is not surprising that he is, at times, controversial.
One article mentioned (though not by name) Mr. Alberi's ``adversaries'' in the Police Department. I cannot imagine what police officers those would be, because, for the most part, Mr. Alberi is admired and respected by those of us who have had the privilege of working with him. From a strictly selfish standpoint, many of us are glad that Mr. Alberi was not appointed as a Juvenile Court judge, because he would be sorely missed as a prosecutor.
LUCIAN COLLEY
Virginia Beach, March 11, 1996 by CNB