Closing Argument: Sarita Bhandarkar

Elections are always important but voting in 2020 has more meaning than ever. Hudson Valley families have heroically responded to our uniquely challenging times – from our front-line workers, to first responders that serve in our area and beyond, to parents who jumped in to new roles for their children, citizens of our community are fighting hard to keep us safe and productive. Tragically, for the last two years, the 99th District has been abandoned by an ineffective Assemblyman who doesn’t share that fight. He has spent his time pandering to the anti-voting, anti-woman, anti-immigrant extremes of his base, and left our communities without a seat at the table in the Assembly.

You deserve better. I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that the people of Orange and Rockland counties get a fair shake, and on day one of my term, I’ll be bringing the fight back for our District. I will fight for access to affordable health care, lower property taxes and thoughtful development that benefits our citizens, not special interests. Working with the majority and colleagues across the aisle, I’ll create the effective, common-sense solutions that the people of our community deserve.

With your support, we can meet today’s challenges together and steer the Hudson Valley towards an even greater future.

Closing Argument: Judge Paul Trachte

For too long, we've been encumbered by conservative laws and jurisprudence. The good news is, and we know this, we've come very far and have passed laws that allow for better, more fair jurisprudence. The problem solving courts in NYS and, in particular, in Newburgh are doing good work to solve real time problems for real life people across our communities. But we must do better.

We must vote in judges who are willing to address systemic racism and unfairness in our institutions through these problem solving courts, who are willing to take into account people and their problems. And who are able to discern the difference between people who really should be in jail and those who deserve to be rehabilitated back into our communities.

Yes, I am committed to the rule of law, I am committed to justice, but I am also committed to the well-being of the people of our community. And if elected to Orange County Court, I will do my best to make sure that the people of our communities are cared for with respect and fairness.

Closing Argument: Maria Patrizio

I am a candidate for Orange County Family Court judge this year, and I would be honored to earn your vote. The outcome of this year’s race for Family Court judge will have an impact on the children and families of Orange County for years to come. 

I grew up in a working-class family, and after high school, I attended my local community college on a full scholarship. I then transferred to Harvard University. I went on to law school at Northwestern University School of Law. After law school, I became a Peace Corps volunteer and taught English as a Second Language at a high school in the Czech Republic. I worked as a corporate litigator for a few years until I paid off my student loans, and then in 1999, I took a 54% pay cut to represent indigent clients in Family Court as an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. 

I have two teenagers, Ellen and Aaron. Ellen is now in her first year at American University, and Aaron is a freshman at Pine Bush High School. 

I am currently the Supervising Family Court Attorney at Legal Aid. I have spent the past twenty-one years practicing family law full- time in Orange County Family Court. I have helped over 5,000 indigent clients through the stressful, emotional, and often chaotic and inefficient Family Court process. I have developed many strategies for resolving the problems that bring families into Family Court. 

After giving advice to my clients for many years, I authored “Successfully Navigating Family Court in New York.” It is a guidebook for people who find themselves in Family Court. Yes, I literally wrote the book on Family Court! 

I am running for Family Court judge because Family Court judges make life-altering decisions, and I feel that I am the candidate who is most in tune with the needs of children and their families in these challenging times. I understand what it is like to juggle parenting, a full-time job, and a hectic schedule of activities. I understand the stresses and anxieties that our children experience. If I am elected, my decisions will take into account the emotional needs of our children and the practical realities of family life in our county. 

If elected, I will bring my compassion and kindness -- but also my no-nonsense approach to problem-solving -- to the bench. My courtroom will be run in an orderly and efficient manner, and I will always be prepared and punctual. I will treat all litigants with respect, and I will make decisions that are in the best interests of the children.

Closing Argument: James Skoufis

It’s been one hell of a few months. My team and I have been hard at work on the ground getting our communities the resources they need throughout the pandemic. We distributed thousands of masks throughout the district, secured many gallons of sanitizer for Cornwall’s first responders and teachers, and helped over 4,000 constituents with unemployment problems. 

This summer, I announced key revitalization plans including state funding to renovate and repair Bridge and for crosswalks, benches, and beautification of Main Street. This month, the Bridge Street bridge will re-open for pedestrian traffic and a full re-paving of Main Street will happen in the spring. 

These grants follow our successful lobbying of the Department of Transportation to rehabilitate six Route 9W overpasses, including those along Angola Road, Willow Avenue, and Quaker Avenue in the Town of Cornwall. 

Earlier this year, I, alongside local officials and residents, revealed the complete installation of the Jackson Avenue traffic light in the Town of Cornwall, completely restructuring one of the town’s most dangerous intersections. 

As many of our small businesses are getting back on their feet, it’s timely and vital for these projects to come to fruition. Investing in much- needed infrastructure improvements will continue to be a top priority of mine, especially now when municipalities and taxpayers need all the relief they can get. 

We have the fight of our lives coming up in this election and we need everyone to get out and vote. Last year we passed historic voting reforms like early voting, helping citizens exercise their right to have their voices heard. 

I’m delighted to be a neighbor here in Cornwall and I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.