County residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the Family Court Judge seat left vacant after Family Judge Bryan Hedges retired in April.
Patrick Kilmartin is a candidate running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative party lines and Julie Cecile is a candidate running on the Democratic and Working Family party lines.
Eagle Newspapers recently interviewed the candidates to get an idea of what each candidate represents. Their answers are featured below:
Julie Cecile
Community Involvement: Community Involvement: Former Board Member, CNY YMCA Senior Apartments, former board member, Greater Strathmore Neighborhood Association, Volunteer Attorney, Pro Bono Divorce Clinic
What makes you qualified to serve as Judge?
My 20 years as a practicing attorney along with my current position as the executive director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center give me the experience that matters – both in the court room and with children and families in crisis. Protecting and strengthening our children and families is something I experience every day. I know firsthand the challenges families face in navigating the court system. In addition, I have been reviewed as qualified by the NYS Independent Judicial Election Qualification Committee as well as the Onondaga County Bar Association. I am the only candidate to have received the highest qualification rating from the Central New York Women’s Bar Association.
Why should voters elect you?I grew up in a house with over 20 foster children and a brother from Korea. Perspectives and cultures were second nature in our home. The diversity is what propelled me into my career as an attorney working to advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves. I have worked in family courts in Onondaga, Madison and Oswego counties. I know how the system works and what is needed for families in crisis. Lastly, I am not a politician and running for Family Court Judge is not just about being a judge for me. I truly want to make a difference in the lives of the families of Onondaga County and give them a voice so they can be heard.
Patrick M. Kilmartin
Community Involvement: I have served as a County Legislator in Onondaga County for six years and presently serve as Majority Leader for the Onondaga County Legislature. I presently serve as a Board Member on the Finance Committee for the Catholic Schools for the Diocese. I have previously served as President of the Parish Council for St. Michael’s Church. I have served many years as a volunteer basketball coach at Most Holy Rosary School and Holy Cross School.
What makes you qualified to serve as Judge?
I am qualified to serve as a Family Court Judge based on my 18 years of practicing law in Onondaga County. I have served my community as a Prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office where I prosecuted cases of domestic violence. I have practiced law as a Family Court Attorney for nearly a decade.
I have served as a Law Guardian for Children in Family Court for nearly a decade where I advocate for the rights of children, safeguard children and make certain that children have a voice in Family Court. Judges in Family Court have entrusted me to serve as an advocate for children and to protect their rights. I am the only candidate for Family Court who has the unique courtroom experience of having served as a Prosecutor, Family Court Attorney and Law Guardian.
Why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me as the next Family Court Judge based on my knowledge of the law, my experience as a trial attorney in Family Court and years of advocating for the protection of children in our community.
Children are the most vulnerable in our court system and our next Family Court Judge must have courtroom knowledge and prior experience as an advocate for crime victims and children. I bring those unique qualifications to service in Family Court, in addition to my experience as a husband, a father, a coach and community volunteer.
