TOWN OF MANLIUS – Manlius resident Danielle Fogel announced this month that she will be running for one of New York’s freshly added supreme court judge seats.
A 2004 graduate of the Syracuse University College of Law, Fogel has spent the years since then practicing civil litigation across the state, with cases mainly falling in the fifth judicial district—an area made up of Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties.
Fittingly enough, it happens to be the open seat in this district that Fogel will be vying for as a candidate on the Republican ticket.
It was one of 14 total justice seats added by lawmakers to 11 of New York’s 13 districts this past June.
“Given my background in observing the role of judges over the years, it was always an aspiration of mine to become a judge at some point,” Fogel said. “When this opportunity arose, I thought I would throw my hat in the ring.”
Former congressman Anthony Brindisi, a Democrat, will also be campaigning for this 18th spot in the fifth district. Like Fogel, Brindisi grew up in Utica and graduated from Notre Dame High School.
Fogel said judicial races differ from political ones because the incumbent on the bench distances from the idea of party platforms when presiding over cases.
She said judges need to maintain the openness to stay impartial in order to help litigants resolve their matters in court.
“I think when you’re looking at a position of a judge, it really comes down to experience, dedication, fair-mindedness and integrity as well as involvement in the community,” Fogel said. “What I can say about myself is that I exhibit all of those things.”
Fogel is currently the president of the Onondaga County Bar Association. For this one-year term, she works to provide local practitioners of the law with educational opportunities while keeping them engaged in pursuing justice and a high standard of ethics.
Before becoming an officer for that non-profit organization headquartered on East Fayette Street, Fogel served as the president of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association. She has also served on the boards of McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center and the Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society.
Fogel announced her decision to run for the open judgeship during the Fourth of July parade held this year by the Town of Manlius. A Facebook page and a formal press release soon followed.
“It’s essentially full speed ahead until November,” she said. “The goal is to get out in the community and get as much support as I can get.”
Fogel has resided in Manlius for roughly 20 years. She lives with her husband Michael, their sons Anthony and Mason, and a dog rescued from Helping Hounds.
“All the parts of Manlius are great,” she said. “Overall it’s a nice community to raise a family in and a nice community to work in.”
The election deciding the occupant of the fifth judicial district’s lone seat for state supreme court will take place Tuesday, Nov. 2.
