Patricia R. Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman the Ulster County Legislature has rejected the appointment of Lauren Sheeley as county public defender. Sheeley's nomination by County Executive Pat Ryan was defeated in a 14 to 9 vote July 21, that crossed party lines. Opponents said the nominee lacked the requisite expertise in criminal law to become the county's chief defense counsel for the indigent. Ryan now has 120 days to nominate someone new, and he cannot renominate Sheeley. In a statement following the vote, Ryan said that as the county works to bring about significant criminal justice reform, it must appoint as its public defender "a proven leader with the passion, expertise and grit to tirelessly and effectively advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community." Ryan said he nominated Sheeley because he was fully confident that she could be that leader for Ulster County and would have managed the Public Defender's Office with "integrity, compassion, and immense skill." A majority of legislators said experience in criminal law was a must for someone to fill the post. "The chief public defender is the first responder charged to protect these individuals when brought to trial and must be skilled and confident to do so," said Legislator Eve Walter of New Paltz. "It is uncontested the candidate lacks any criminal experience," said Legislator Tracey Bartels of Gardiner, adding that the role of public defender was "too important to learn on the job." Sheeley has served as the county's first assistant county attorney since September. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.