Meet Matt Toporowski (he/him), a lawyer currently working with the Wagoner Firm, but also running for Albany County District Attorney. The Wagoner Firm is general practice and there Matt is considered an “experienced litigator and trial attorney, whose practice is split between the areas of commercial litigation and plaintiff's personal injury.” Matt is a transplant to Albany, having grown up in Saugerties but had visited his grandparents often whom lived in Schenectady – his heart has been in the Capitol Region practically his entire life.
We at Faiella Studios want to take a moment to address that we understand we have been relatively quiet in the month of June, but our Pandemic Project is very much so still alive and we are booking. With all that’s happening in the world, we took a brief hiatus from posting these stories, and will be posting only a few times a week in effort to make space for other individuals specifically geared towards things such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and other pertinent issues.
That being said, we wanted to share with you today Matt’s story, on the eve of one of the most important days in his career. Matt is someone who is extremely driven to create positive change in Albany county, and tomorrow, June 23rd 2020 is the NY Primary Election for Albany County DA. This is important because the race is between two Democratic candidates - David Soares and Matt Toporowski. Matt is going up against Soares who has held the job since 2005.
Matt has been jugglnig two different lanes dealing with the pandemic while still practicing with The Wagoner Firm, and the unique task of running in an election. “The law firm has been chugging along well, we have always worked through the cloud, so going remote was easy. We have our meetings via a conference line and our office manager is processing mail at her house.” That is about status quo, but when asking him about his campaign, while there have been obstacles, the smile hadn’t left his face. “For the campaign it’s been difficult for the most part, with not being able to see the people, host fundraisers and have volunteers in the room phone banking.” That being logistics, the toughest part for him has been interacting – or lack of interaction – with the public. “ It’s been a challenge getting people motivated, passionate, involved, and care about an election in amidst a worldwide pandemic. “ The people working hard behind the scenes for Matt have been working tirelessly digitally to get the word about who he is across still.
“We are fighting for fair justice for all, a new day for Albany.” Matt says as he tells us a few things he plans to bring to the table. “The plan is to bring progressive criminal justice reform to Albany county, and address a lot of the issues within the criminal justice system that are emerging to show how broken it’s been.”
This interview was conducted before the brutal murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man on May 25th 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That fact is key because before the reignition of the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Capitol Region and across the country, Matt had the ambition to fight harder for injustices especially for communities of color. Matt also has a Cuban background, and a lot of these challenges our communities face are near and dear to his heart. “ It’s important that we are addressing structural racism, and diversifying the (District Attorney) office – leadership and prosecutors- while having a more holistic approach to criminal justice.” Matt tells us he wants to diverge where he can to get at the core issues that cause crime, whether it be substance abuse, mental health issues, poverty, lack of opportunity rather than “just jailing.”
“My number one thing is transparency” Matt tells us, “ There’s a lack of trust with the communities of Albany, specific people of color, with law enforcement, and this current DA office. Being more transparent with all communities whether it be statistics or through working the cases we can rebuild relationships through that accountability.”
I first met Matt back in February of 2020 at the press conference where he announced his running in the DA Race. You can’t miss him – he lights up the room with his huge and infectious smile. It was that that intrigued you, but hearing his passion for people and his willingness to learn gets you to want to open up in a discussion with him. Watching him and his campaign grow the last few months has been inspiring. Political affiliations aside, he is a human who is fighting for what he believes in – AND for other people of his community. Matt, pictured above, as soon as the pandemic was closing places and supplies were difficult to come by, had gone out and gathered supplies and made in bulk hand sanitizers to pass out to people he spoke with. He’s been on the ground – when it’s safe to do so – and doing all he can from a digital perspective.
Things such as elections are proving as time goes on to be significantly more difficult during this pandemic, but Matt’s story shows us that we can’t let it get in the way of our dreams. We have to adapt to the situations around us, and overcome the obstacles with the tools we are given. As the world is slowly opening up again, we have to keep that champion mentality in the back of our heads. We have to remember these stories of hardship, and unexpected realities, and muster the strength from the people who have innovated inspiring stories of overcoming those challenges.
“ I’m always open to take input, hear issues, and will be proactive to speaking to people and show that I care. Instead of punishments and convictions, keep the community safer as a whole and involve them where we can. “
Matt is endorsed by a long list of individuals and respected groups from Citizen Action of New York, Working Families Party, Barbra Smith long time Black activist based out of Albany, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Cynthia Nixon and even singer/songwriter John Legend.
Go out and vote in your elections whether it’s Albany County, or wherever you live. Voting is so important, especially during these fragile times for our country. We each hold that responsibility to do better - for ourselves, for the ones we love, and the human race. We have to do all we can to create justice and peace, and that doesn’t start until we bring justice. End systemic racism, educate others, and VOTE.
For more information on how to register to vote, if you’re interested: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Toporowski, and not reflective Faiella Studios.