As your Town Justice, I have presided over 18,000 cases in our Town between criminal, traffic, evictions, civil matters and small claims. I have had 4 criminal trials with a jury, and numerous hearings for various matters. What all of this has provided me is invaluable perspective. The hardest part of the job is determining how much to fine a speeder? How much time to incarcerate a drug addict? Whether to set bail on a domestic violence offender? All of these matters are a daily occurrence in our Town. My sense of perspective continues to evolve and develop based on the incredible amount of experience you have afforded me with your vote 8 years ago. I am hopeful that you will allow me the opportunity to continue to serve you and apply what I have learned to future cases.
My sense of what is fair and just continues to evolve not only on the bench but as a practicing lawyer among other positions. I graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1995 and was admitted to the bar in 1996. I practice in the areas of criminal law, business law, real property, and tax law. The amount of law that I need to know and or be aware of as Town Justice is astounding. It is very helpful that I know where to find the law because it is impossible to know everything required by the job. In addition, I am a Certified Public Accountant (Since 1990) with Accounting and Economics Degrees from Boston College. I routinely practice before the IRS and New York State for tax matters.
When not at the Town Hall, I have employment at a few places that provide me with the opportunity to develop my sense of perspective towards life and what is fair. I am the CFO/General Counsel for Deli- Boy Inc., a food distribution company in Solvay. I have been in the position for 29 years. I am quite comfortable dealing with people and their various issues. I strive to treat everyone with respect and dignity and I bring this to the Court. In addition, I am a Professor of Practice at Syracuse University Whitman School of Management. I teach classes such as law and public policy, financial and managerial accounting, entrepreneurship, taxation and introduction to business. I also taught at the College of Law. I deal with over 400 students each academic year. On a regular basis I “judge” the students via their exams and papers. My student feedback indicates that I am firm but fair a reputation that I believe also describes my judicial style.
Over the course of the past 29 years, I have been involved in our community. I have been on various community boards. One that I am most proud of is the West Genesee Modified Sports Boosters, better known as Save Modified Sports. I was very pleased to work with a great group of parents and the School District Administrators to allow 300 students the opportunity to continue to play sports during difficult economic times. I coached both baseball and basketball when my sons were younger and enjoyed being a part of the Camillus Youth Softball and Baseball and Camillus Youth Basketball Associations. There is no question in my mind that participation in organized sports helps keep some of our young people out of the Justice system. I was also involved politically serving in various capacities including chairman of the local Republican Party and a Vice Chair of the County Republican Party.
I have lived in this area my entire life. I graduated from West Genesee High School in 1983 and have lived in various places in Camillus since I returned from college. My wife Jennifer and I have 5 children between us. Our oldest, Jay, is in Pediatrician in Cincinnati, our daughter Allyson is a Nurse at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia, where she is also studying to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing. Nino, has a Masters Degree in Information Technology from Syracuse University and works for Oracle in Denver. Albie just finished his Master at Durham University in England in Supply Chain and is looking for a position at a firm to utilize his new skills. Lastly, Christopher is a Senior at Syracuse University majoring in Management. The experience of being a parent has undeniably helped in the development of perspective. I am sure anyone who has children would agree that parenting is not always easy. I see many young people in our Court’s and the difficulties of being young and of being a parent are not lost in my decisions.
I am pleased to have the endorsement of the Republican, Independence, Conservative and Onondaga County Veterans Parties. I am also endorsed by the Onondaga County Sheriffs. I am honored by their commitment to my continued service to our community as Town Justice.
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