Here we are again. Another voting season
is upon us. Another chance to tell those in power of our lives that we
will have a voice and it will be heard and counted! This time, this
season — voices long muffled have come out and are actively protesting
the complacency of our leaders, the corruption and greed of the banks
and corporations that we supported, and our corporate sponsored
characters running this country. We are affected by their misuse and
abuse of powers and we are letting the world know, enough Occupy Wall
Street has gone viral. Because the corporate/government bond was/is too
intimate, it allowed for too much corruption to go unnoticed. The effect
on the regular Joe was felt and felt hard. I’m hopeful the public at
large is now more awakened to the corruption in their own communities,
their own local government.
When you go to the polls on Nov. 8, please make your vote count.
One very important race, in my opinion, is that of Supreme Court Justice, Appellate Division Third Judicial district. There are two opens eats and one will definitely affect you, a family member, neighbor, or friend should you have a civil, family or state matter that begs for justice.
The Appellate Division hears appeals directly from the Supreme Court, County Courts, Family Courts, Surrogate Courts and the Court of Claims. The Appellate Division, and especially the Third Department because of its location in the state’s capital, also hears appeals from decisions by state agencies. So, if you or your family feel that you need to be heard again due to a lower court’s perhaps misuse of power or misinterpretation of law, you would appeal to hopefully end up with a judge with a clear mind and balanced judgment to hear your case fully and hopefully reverse the unjust or unwise decision of a lower court. It is your right and at least it affords you another shot at justice.
This is an important race.
The Honorable Judge Edward Spain is vacating the bench due to hitting a number that defies his continued good service after a long and respectable career, as is Presiding Justice Anthony Cardona who also is heading for retirement.
This year Republicans Guy Roemer, an Albany County attorney is running along with Rensselaer County Family Court Judge Catherine “Kiki” Cholakis, Democrats have given the nomination to North Greenbush Justice Ray Elliott and Thomas Breslin, both experienced judges.
There is no question that those trying to fill the robes of these retiring judges need scrutiny. When one thinks of a judge, words like fair, objective and reasonable come to mind. A judge should present himself/herself with a clear sense of having a mind that is able to control/balance their biases with reason instead of emotion or personal/professional biases. You do not want someone judging you, your business, or your family who is hotheaded, temperamental, biased and clearly incapable of seeing the truth beyond their own power. Your life and family’s lives depend on it.
So, before Election Day, please Google the candidates of all those desirous of wearing these robes. Please do not be lured by campaigns that tell you simply having a specific gender make for a more competent candidate either. Google them. You may hear a voice on Youtube of a current judge that has been endorsed by your party to run for this highly respectable position. Is that the voice of reason you would want hearing your case? You, the voter want to be the deciding, discerning factor for this seat. Look on those sites that report the conduct of judges and if something does not feel or sound right, light to that. Then use your judgment to direct the lever. A judge is someone you hope is fair at the very minimum. How many judges are “appointed” the first time? Those that are appointed the first time may prove incompetent by the very people they serve who pay the salary they claim is too low. Perhaps their appointment had nothing to do with their talent and more to do with their association of others, perhaps a legacy.
Please do your homework. Talk to people, your neighbors, friends and co-workers about those you are considering voting for and share what you know about them.
Rosemary Brennan-QuinnWhen you go to the polls on Nov. 8, please make your vote count.
One very important race, in my opinion, is that of Supreme Court Justice, Appellate Division Third Judicial district. There are two opens eats and one will definitely affect you, a family member, neighbor, or friend should you have a civil, family or state matter that begs for justice.
The Appellate Division hears appeals directly from the Supreme Court, County Courts, Family Courts, Surrogate Courts and the Court of Claims. The Appellate Division, and especially the Third Department because of its location in the state’s capital, also hears appeals from decisions by state agencies. So, if you or your family feel that you need to be heard again due to a lower court’s perhaps misuse of power or misinterpretation of law, you would appeal to hopefully end up with a judge with a clear mind and balanced judgment to hear your case fully and hopefully reverse the unjust or unwise decision of a lower court. It is your right and at least it affords you another shot at justice.
This is an important race.
The Honorable Judge Edward Spain is vacating the bench due to hitting a number that defies his continued good service after a long and respectable career, as is Presiding Justice Anthony Cardona who also is heading for retirement.
This year Republicans Guy Roemer, an Albany County attorney is running along with Rensselaer County Family Court Judge Catherine “Kiki” Cholakis, Democrats have given the nomination to North Greenbush Justice Ray Elliott and Thomas Breslin, both experienced judges.
There is no question that those trying to fill the robes of these retiring judges need scrutiny. When one thinks of a judge, words like fair, objective and reasonable come to mind. A judge should present himself/herself with a clear sense of having a mind that is able to control/balance their biases with reason instead of emotion or personal/professional biases. You do not want someone judging you, your business, or your family who is hotheaded, temperamental, biased and clearly incapable of seeing the truth beyond their own power. Your life and family’s lives depend on it.
So, before Election Day, please Google the candidates of all those desirous of wearing these robes. Please do not be lured by campaigns that tell you simply having a specific gender make for a more competent candidate either. Google them. You may hear a voice on Youtube of a current judge that has been endorsed by your party to run for this highly respectable position. Is that the voice of reason you would want hearing your case? You, the voter want to be the deciding, discerning factor for this seat. Look on those sites that report the conduct of judges and if something does not feel or sound right, light to that. Then use your judgment to direct the lever. A judge is someone you hope is fair at the very minimum. How many judges are “appointed” the first time? Those that are appointed the first time may prove incompetent by the very people they serve who pay the salary they claim is too low. Perhaps their appointment had nothing to do with their talent and more to do with their association of others, perhaps a legacy.
Please do your homework. Talk to people, your neighbors, friends and co-workers about those you are considering voting for and share what you know about them.
Troy
No comments:
Post a Comment
While we allow anonymous comments, we ask that you refrain from personal attacks and stick to actual experiences with Judge Cholakis. Comments are moderated and those not following our guidelines will not be published.