MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tindell, Gollott, Hill, Wiggins, Dawkins, Smith, Moran, Watson, Gandy, Browning, Butler (38th), Jackson (32nd), Montgomery, Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SALUTING THE RECORD OF DEDICATED ACHIEVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP OF HONORABLE CONO CARANNA OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, RESPECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT AND VIETNAM VETERAN, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Honorable Cono Caranna of Gulfport, Mississippi, who served with distinction as District Attorney for the Second Circuit Court District from 1984 to 1988 and from 1989 to January 2012, has announced his retirement, leaving a record of achievement and legacy of leadership; and
WHEREAS, Cono Caranna, as District Attorney for the Second Circuit Court District, State of Mississippi, serves Harrison, Stone and Hancock Counties, with offices in Gulfport, Biloxi, Wiggins and Bay St. Louis and a staff that includes 13 assistant district attorneys. The Second Circuit Court District adds more cases on the docket and disposes of more cases than any other district in the state. First elected in 1983 to the post that he has held with distinction for six terms, Caranna began his career in public service in 1973, when he was appointed City Attorney for the City of Biloxi, holding that position for the next ten years. He also practiced law from 1972 to 1979 as a partner in the firm of Vlahos and Caranna. After a three-year period of independent practice, he was a member of the Law Firm of Page, Mannino and Peresich from 1981 to 1983; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Biloxi High School in 1960, Mr. Caranna attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1964. The next five years were spent in military service as a member of the United States Army, years when he served first in Korea and then as a rifle company commander in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device, two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal and a Purple Heart. In August 1969, Captain Caranna completed his military service and soon afterward began his work at the University of Mississippi, receiving his juris doctor degree from Ole Miss in 1972; and
WHEREAS, after taking office as District Attorney, Mr. Caranna set in motion a continuing series of improvements that would substantially change the office as the most important arm of law enforcement, reaching into the community in innovative and practical ways to enhance its effectiveness. Starting in 1984, he was able to build support for a computerized system to provide better court management and criminal records. Today the system receives positive assistance through Homeland Security funding for first responders, such as Civil Defense, fire and police personnel, and continues to grow in scope and effectiveness through the remarkable evolutionary technology available; and
WHEREAS, under Mr. Caranna's leadership, the Second Circuit Court District has substantially enlarged a Pretrial Intervention Diversion Program for nonviolent offenders that served as the impetus for a legislative nonadjudication program with far-reaching effects throughout the state. Successful completion of the program not only helps prevent such offenders from having a criminal record but also assists them to make positive contributions to society instead of becoming tax burdens. The district attorney, for the past ten years, has advocated a drug court, now in place in the district, that will be an important step in the way law enforcement attacks the drug problem facing communities today, with treatment instead of prison as the primary goal. Caranna worked for passage of legislation creating a bad-check collection unit, enacted into law in 1988, resulting in a current fee schedule income to the district attorney's office of more than $300,000.00 that is used for diverse community programs and activities; and
WHEREAS, his work as District Attorney includes an exceptional range of interests, activities and accomplishments. He has helped to institute new children-centered programs extending into schools and community organizations; worked on community projects with church, civic and business organizations to help people to avoid some of the pitfalls of dysfunctional families and develop neighborhood pride; sought to identify problem areas that would yield possible solutions so that the first time a person has any direct acquaintance with law enforcement is not a prosecutorial matter; studied youth violence and researched effective programs that help protect young people from problems that can be identified and remediated; and opened the first victim/witness coordinator's office in the state, under a federal grant, that became a model for the State Victims Assistance Coordinator Program now implemented statewide; and
WHEREAS, among Caranna's church, civic, and community activities and achievements are his work as Board Member of the Family Child Center and State Board Member of Mississippi Special Olympics. He is a member of Friends of Harrison County Libraries, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Rotary Club, National District Attorneys Association, Harrison County Association for Retarded Citizens, and State and County Bar Associations. He has served as State President of the City Attorneys Association, President of the Harrison County Bar Association, Commissioner of the Mississippi State Bar Association, Member of the Executive Committee of the Mississippi Municipal Association, Board Member of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, Member of the Harrison County Library System Board, County Chairman of the American Heart Association; and Executive Committee Member of the Harrison County Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, Cono Caranna and his wife, Judge Margaret Alfonso, make their home in Biloxi. He has one son, Cono A. Caranna, III; two daughters, Katie Caranna Kravette and Mandy Krucks; one granddaughter, Allison Kate; and a grandson, Andrew Christopher; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this respected attorney whose remarkable intellect has enriched the lives of all of his colleagues and who is a wonderful example for all Mississippi public servants:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby salute the record of dedicated achievement and leadership of Honorable Cono Caranna of Gulfport, Mississippi, respected District Attorney for the Second Circuit Court District and decorated Vietnam Veteran, on the occasion of his retirement, and extend to him and his family the thanks of a grateful state for his service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Caranna and his family, transmitted to the Mississippi and Harrison County Bar Association and the Mississippi Supreme Court, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.