CONNICK SINGS SWAN SONG TO 28 YEARS AS PROSECUTOR

NEW ORLEANS -- District Attorney Harry Connick Sr. used a happy occasion,
his 76th birthday, to make what he called a "sad announcement" Wednesday:
He's retiring after more than 28 years as Orleans Parish's top prosecutor.

"Sad because it means that after Jan. 10, 2003, (when his replacement takes
over) I will no longer be doing what I like best to do, and that is being
district attorney of this good city," he said, flanked by his wife, Londa,
and daughter Suzanna Connick Jamison. Connick also is the father of singer
and actor Harry Connick Jr.

The district attorney's primary election is Oct. 4, and for the first time
since 1969, Connick's name will not be on the ballot. After losing to
District Attorney Jim Garrison in 1969, he beat the controversial incumbent
in late 1973. Connick's first term began April 1, 1974, and he was
re-elected four more times. His current term expires Dec. 31.

In response to a reporter's question, Connick said he would support
outgoing Mayor Marc Morial if the two-term mayor chose to run for district
attorney. But Morial, who attended Connick's news conference, said the jury
is still out on his immediate future.

"I'm not ruling anything in or ruling anything out," he said. "I'm keeping
my options open."

Former U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan Jr. of New Orleans already has announced
plans to run for the district attorney's post.

Connick, who fought back tears when he spoke of his first wife, Anita
Livingston Connick, who died in 1981, said he intends to spend more time
with his three grandchildren and a fourth which is on the way.

The former assistant U.S. attorney also said he wants to remain a player in
the war on illegal drugs.

"Regarding the never-ending drug problem, and all of the terror it brings,
it should now be clear to all that, while vigorous prosecution and long
jail terms are sometimes needed, it is not the answer in all cases," he said.

"In the future, efforts to eliminate drug problems must include high school
drug testing, expanded diversionary programs, and well-run drug courts.
Failure to recognize this is a commitment to a society that will never be
safe from the curse of illegal drugs."

Connick also said local criminal justice systems -- not the federal
government -- are "essential for a safe society."

"These agencies are responsible for enforcing the criminal laws of this
state. What good is served by overfunding federal enforcement agencies and
neglecting those who are the most immediately capable of dealing with local
criminals and crime problems," he said.

Connick said "insufficient funding" is responsible for the "constant
problem" of turnover in the ranks of young assistant district attorneys.

"They are compelled by economic circumstances to leave here for jobs that
pay two and three times the salary they make here," he said.

Despite those problems, Connick praised his office for:

* Developing the first program in Louisiana to divert young, first
offenders from the criminal justice system. He called the program "the best
in the country."

* Originating more than 100 pieces of strong anti-crime legislation. He
called his office "the most-active district attorney's office in the
Legislature."

*Setting up a program to represent the state and crime victims before the
state Parole and Pardon boards. He said the practice is being followed by
other prosecutors in the state.