Experience, integrity and temperament
I have the privilege to serve the people of Saratoga Springs as City Court Judge. My service demonstrates that I have the experience, professional competence and judicial temperament required to continue in the position I hold. As the first woman ever to serve as Saratoga Springs City Court Judge, I also feel a responsibility to successfully represent women and inspire young women to take on leadership roles. I believe that diversity of perspective is a critically important element of the judiciary and has been seriously lacking.
As your City Court Judge, I preside over a variety of civil and criminal matters. Although some people think only criminal matters are handled in City Court, I hear civil trials almost daily, including landlord tenant eviction proceedings, small claims and commercial claims trials.
As for criminal matters, I preside over all complex DWI, domestic violence, vehicle and traffic and parking enforcement matters. I also conduct arraignments, including off-hour arraignments throughout the night and on weekends.
Of all the work I do in City Court, I am most proud of the domestic violence court I preside over. For 13 years prior to becoming a judge I have worked with community members to provide services for individuals and families who experience or are threatened with domestic violence. My years of commitment to this cause have given me the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively preside over Saratoga Springs’ specialized court to address domestic violence and related issues.
This year, the District Administrative Judge selected me to cover civil and criminal cases in the Schenectady City Court. Although I was a new judge, I practiced law for 10 years and had experience litigating significant cases in supreme, federal and city courts throughout New York State. The District Administrative Judge had enough confidence in my abilities, based upon my experience and reputation in the legal community, to assign me to another court. For almost a year, I have been handling calendars in the Saratoga Springs City Court and Schenectady City Court, all while managing a very positive campaign in a manner consistent with the integrity of the judiciary.
This experience as the judge is the most relevant experience anyone could have in seeking election to that office.
Moreover, my hard work and commitment to my job are reflected in the results. As your judge, I have handled thousands of DWI, domestic violence and vehicle and traffic matters and almost 500 civil cases and not one of my decisions have been overturned.
On election day please consider judicial experience, temperament, and desperately needed diversity in selecting your Saratoga Springs City Court Judge. Francine Vero is Saratoga Springs City Court Judge who is seeking election as a Democrat.