Going to Family Court can be a traumatic event for anyone. In order to be an effective Family Court Judge one must both understand the role of the traumatic exposure in the lives of the participants, especially the children, and engage resources and interventions that address this traumatic stress. I am motivated to help struggling families and children deal with this stress, overcome barriers and rebuild healthy, long term, family relationships. I have the ideas, compassion and fortitude to get the job done! Family issues have ramifications that can have a tremendous impact on our entire community, including our schools, children and public services.
- I WILL STOP THE REVOLVING DOOR OF FAMILY COURT.
Every family has unique problems, which require its own unique solutions. Many participants return to Family Court time and time again because their unique problems are not being properly addressed. This revolving door causes unnecessary anxiety, stress and additional trauma to the participants and their families.
I promise to devote all of the necessary time and attention required to make sure that each parties needs are being properly addressed. Mending broken families by educating them and getting them the services and treatment that they need will stop this revolving door. This will result in healthier families, making our community a better place to live.
- I WILL GET CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THE SERVICES THAT THEY NEED.
Unfortunately, substance abuse issues are all too prevalent in many of today’s Family Court cases. Warren County has experienced a significant increase in substance abuse, including the recent heroin epidemic. Substance abuse is destroying our families. I pledge to address these substance abuse issues through proper treatment, and the use of Juvenile and Family Treatment Courts. It is my belief that these treatment courts are indispensable tools to help combat this problem.
I was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the first drug treatment court program in Warren County’s history, which continues to be extremely successful today. I will bring this experience and expertise to Family Court. My first priority will be to re-establish the Family and Juvenile Treatment Courts.
Did you know that these treatment courts are wholly funded by New York State without any cost to Warren County residents, and are not being utilized? I believe that we are doing a great disservice to the children and families of our community by not taking advantage of this benefit. I will change this!
I will also connect families and children with other appropriate services they need, whether it’s: probation supervision, mental health treatment, anger management, counseling, educational services, etc.
- I WILL NOT USE THIS COURT AS A STEPPING STONE.
If elected, I pledge to complete my entire term and not use this position to advance my judicial career. Being a Family Court Judge is what I want to be!
- WHAT YOUR VOTE FOR ME MEANS FOR YOU!
A vote for me is a vote for the struggling children and families of Warren County. It’s a vote for an efficient and cost-effective court. It’s a vote to end to the revolving door of Family Court, by providing real solutions to real problems. It’s a vote to begin utilizing all available resources for our children and families. Most of all, it’s a long-term investment in our community’s future, making it a better place to live.
Choosing a Family Court Judge is not about party politics…it’s about Families.
