Judge Rick Miller officially announced his candidacy for Broome County Family Court Judge

(Endwell, NY) Richard H. Miller II last week formally announced his candidacy for Broome County Family Court Judge in front of a crowd of family and friends at Highland Park in Endwell.

“Today I’m here to make it official: I’m running for Broome County Family Court,” said Judge Miller to loud cheers from those in attendance.

“Family Court serves some of our most vulnerable citizens going through some of the toughest times in their lives,” he added. “We need a Family Court Judge who will uphold the highest level of honesty, compassion, and integrity to help produce the best possible outcomes for the individuals and families who come before the Court.”

A lifelong resident of Broome County, Judge Miller is currently the elected Town Justice for the Town of Union (the most populous municipality in Broome County) and elected Village Justice for the Village of Johnson City. He also operates his own private law office in Endwell.

As a dedicated community volunteer, Judge Miller has served on the Board of Directors for the Roberson Museum and American Civic Association.

He has also dedicated countless hours to helping our community’s children as a coach for Johnson City Little League, Pee-Wee Football, AAU and CYO Basketball, and many other sports programs.

“My dad taught me that giving back to your community wasn’t something you thought twice about. You give back because it’s the right thing to do,” said Judge Miller. “He and my mother taught us to be caring, compassionate, and tough when necessary – all traits that are needed in our next Family Court Judge.”

Judge Miller’s father, Richard “Dick” Miller, served for many years representing the Southern Tier as a legendary State Assemblyman and local elected official.

Aside from his current judgeships and law practice, Judge Miller also has served on the Law Guardian Panel for Broome and Tioga Counties and as an Assigned Counselor for Broome and Tioga County Family Courts. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Broome County Magistrates Association (including service as President) and New York State Magistrates Association, and as a member of the Broome County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and National Judges Association.

Judge Miller is a graduate of Johnson City High School, Broome Community College, St. Bonaventure University and the University of Bridgeport School of Law.

He lives in Johnson City with his wife, Dr. Julie Miller, and their four children, Ricky, Lauren, Julianna and Joseph.

Two Family Court judgeships will be on the ballot in Broome County in the Fall 2014 election. Judge Miller and Mark Young are running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines while Peter Charnetsky and Daniel D. Reynolds are running on the Democrat and Working Families lines. The top two vote-getters out of the four candidates will take office on January 1, 2015.

City Council Republicans Express Concern Over Council President's Requirement That New City Clerk Or Deputy Clerk Perform Political Activities & Gather "Political Intelligence"

- Candidate Also Required To Spy On Mayor, City Hall Employees & Council Republicans -

(CITY OF BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) Binghamton City Council members Joe Mihalko (R - District 2), Chris Papastrat (R - District 5) and John Matzo (R - District 6) expressed concern and disappointment over a recent e-mail sent to Broome County Democrats at the request of Council President Teri Rennia, advertising a vacancy in the City Clerk's Office. A copy of the e-mail is attached.

"We do not feel the function of the taxpayer-funded position of City Clerk and Deputy Clerk is to gather political intelligence to undercut the opposing party in power," said Council members Mihalko, Papastrat and Matzo. "We should be working with the new Mayor and his team on behalf of the residents, not trading public positions for political gain."

"What this e-mail reveals is a peek behind the curtain as to how the Council President and some members of Council's leadership view the City Clerk's Office," said the Council members. "What we're seeing here is not in the best interest of the taxpayers. We applaud one recipient of this e-mail for recognizing the job requirements were unethical and wrong, and exposing these activities to the public."

"We were elected to work on behalf of all City residents," said the Council Members. "We support the new administration's efforts to pave more roads, add police, attack blight, better manage City finances and address quality of life issues in our neighborhoods. We've had enough of the obstruction that's followed the change in administration. After reviewing this e-mail, what we thought was just resentment from losing the race for Mayor, is actually a more serious and organized effort to undercut Mayor David, City employees and Council Republicans."

"We feel this incident has compromised Councilwoman Rennia's ability to effectively represent this body as President," said the Council Members. "Not only has she failed to renounce this scheme, but she is identified in the e-mail as its architect — requesting it be sent and personally collecting resumes for review. At the next City Council meeting, we will call for a vote to select a new Council President. We urge our Democratic colleagues to support a change, and encourage them to think long and hard about the message they want to send to their constituents."

The author of the e-mail is Marty Doorey, Chair of the City of Binghamton Democratic Committee. Doorey is also Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), an official City committee responsible for coordinating citizen input regarding the $1.9 million Community Development Block Grant program and submitting recommendations to the Department of Planning Housing and Community Development and City Council. Doorey represents the 7th Council District on the committee — Councilman Bill Berg's district. CDAC members receive a $500 annual stipend.

"In light of Mr. Doorey's participation in these unethical political activities involving taxpayer-funded positions, we are calling for his resignation from the CDAC, effective immediately," said the Council Members.

The Council members will also consult with the City Attorney because they feel the public trust has been breached. The Council Members will explore next steps with the City Attorney to pursue an independent external review of the matter.

"Candidates should be selected based on experience and qualifications, not political affiliation or years of service to the party. We encourage the Council's Democratic majority to implement a transparent hiring process. The positions should be publicly advertised and any member of the public should have an opportunity to apply."

The source e-mail was supplied anonymously to the Republican Council members. Its legitimacy was then confirmed by a Democratic member of City Council.

For more information, contact Councilman Joe Mihalko, (607) 765-2352.

Broome Republican Petition Hand-In-Party

Please join the Broome County Republicans for our annual Petition-Hand-In Party. 

June 26, 2014 at 5:30pm at Atrio Banquets on Hooper Road, Endwell. 

Binghamton Attorney Announces Candidacy for City Court

(Binghamton, NY) On Monday May 19, at 5:30 PM, longtime Binghamton attorney, Mike Baker, will announce his candidacy for Binghamton City Court Judge in this November’s election. Mike will make his formal announcement surrounded by friends and family at Terra Cotta located at 81 State Street in Binghamton.

“As City Court Judge, I will continue to serve the people of this city.  For over fifteen years, I have represented well over a thousand clients on various matters arising in the Binghamton City Court and will bring the same dedication and respect for the rule of law to the bench that I have long adhered to as an attorney.”  He added, “I look forward to meeting and listening to the citizens of the city during this campaign and hope to earn their trust and vote in November.”

Mike is currently a Senior Assistant Public Defender for Broome County. Prior to joining the office in 2005 and upon graduating from Albany Law school in 1997, Mike began his career with the Binghamton law firm of Chernin & Gold (which later merged with Levene Gouldin & Thompson).

Mike is past President of the Broome County Bar Association, a former member of the Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and currently a member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

In addition to his legal experience, Mike has also been deeply involved in the community for many years. He was appointed by former Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci to the Community Development Advisory Committee, as a member of the Broome County Local Conditional Release Commission, on the Board of Trustees for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, completed the Broome Leadership Institute, instructed at Broome Community College and named one of Binghamton’s “20 under 40” in 2001.

Mr. Baker will compete for one of three City Court Judge slots that will be up for election this November.

Broome County has seen a growing trend of strong Republican electoral victories over the past several years, including flipping the Binghamton Mayor’s Office with the victory of Republican Rich David in 2013, flipping the Broome County Executive’s Office with the victory of Republican Debbie Preston in 2011 (and her re-election to a full term in 2012), flipping the County Legislature to a Republican Majority in 2010, and winning and currently holding 15 or 16 Town Supervisor seats.

Binghamton's newest City Court Judge Sworn In

Deputy Chief Adminsitative Judge Michael V. Coccoma yesterday swore in Carol A. Cocchiola, flamed by her husband Kevin P. Dooley and her son Alex, as Binghamton newest City Court Judge at the State Office Building. She'll bring years of valuable experience as a Senior District Attorney and Assistant Attorney General to the bench. Judge Cocciola was appointed by Mayor Rich David to fill the seat following the retirement of Judge Mary Anne Lehmann, and will be on the ballot this fall seeing a full term. 

AL GARDINER ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN

BINGHAMTON, NY. Al Gardiner announced his candidacy for the Broome County Legislature this afternoon. He will be running in Legislative District #15, which covers the entire south side of the City of Binghamton and a portion of the west side. 

Al Gardiner detailed some of his priorities. “Three of the most important things I want to work hard for are keeping our county property taxes as low as possible, eliminating neighborhood blight, and furthering cooperation between the City of Binghamton and Broome County. There will be other issues that come forward over the coming weeks and months. But these three issues are crucial to ensure that Legislative District #15 takes a step forward, not a step backwards.” 

Mayor Rich David, who was also present, said, “Al would be a great partner with for City officials like myself and the Councilmembers to address problems facing our neighborhoods such as crime. We’re all in this together and it’s only through working together than we can succeed.” 

Councilman Chris Papastrat, who encouraged Al to run, added, “I have been friends with Al Gardiner for many years. He and his family have been proud to call the south side of Binghamton home for over 20 years. I was one of the first people on the south side of Binghamton to suggest to Al that he consider running for County Legislature. He’s the right man for the job. He’ll help the 15th District take a step forwards, and not a step backwards.” 

Al is a Captain with the Binghamton Fire Department and lives with his wife Sharyon and two sons on Hawthorne Road on Binghamton's Southside.

Supporters Cheer on Gubernatorial Hopeful Rob Astorino at Broome Republican Lincoln Day Dinner

(Binghamton, NY) Tonight the Broome County Republican Committee welcomed more than 400 supporters to cheer on Westchester County Executive and Gubernatorial Hopeful Rob Astorino at its Lincoln Day Dinner at the Hilton Doubletree in Binghamton.

The enthusiastic crowd was the largest the Committee has hosted in more than a decade.

“It’s great to see so many Republican activists and supporters come out tonight,” said Chairman Datta. “Locally, Republicans have flipped seat after seat from the Democrats over the last few years because we’re getting things done rather than just talking about it, and we’re gearing up to do the same Statewide this year.”

Mr. Astorino has been featured in numerous statewide and national publications as a formidable candidate against Governor Andrew Cuomo, including in the NY Post, NY Daily News, NY Times, National Review, and many others. His keynote speech focused on how Cuomo has spent his four years in office wasting taxpayer dollars and managing the decline of New York State.

"I'm so honored to be a part of tonight's event," said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. "Chairman Datta and the entire Broome County Republican Committee deserve enormous credit for not only putting together an amazing evening, but for creating a strong and vibrant organization. The Southern Tier has been suffering under Governor Cuomo's policies that are driving jobs and people to other states. You could feel the excitement from the hundreds of supporters who are energized about reversing that trend and putting New York back in the winning column. We can make New York great again.

Datta praised Astorino’s record in Westchester County, where he was re-elected by a wide margin last November.

“Rob is a proven winner who has succeeded at getting elected in a heavily Democratic county, and who has delivered on his promises,” said Datta. “He has kept taxes in line and created jobs. That’s what we need more of across the whole state.”

County Executive Astorino was re-elected in 2013 by a 12-point margin, running on the Republican and Conservative lines in a county with a 2-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. He was able to freeze or cut the County tax levy in each year he has served, reducing overall spending by 5.2%. Under Astorino, from 2010 to 2013, Westchester County has created 27,000 new private-sector jobs.

Major elected officials at tonight’s Dinner included Congressman Richard Hanna, Senator Tom Libous, Assemblymen Cliff Crouch, Chris Friend and Gary Finch, County Executive Debbie Preston, County Sheriff Dave Harder, County Clerk Rick Blythe, Binghamton Mayor Rich David, Broome County Conservative Chairman James Thomas and many other local officials.

Influential Republican leaders from across the State traveled to Binghamton tonight to show their support for Broome County’s Republican leadership. Notable political figures in attendance included New York State Republican Chairman Ed Cox, Tioga County Republican Chairman Don Leonard, Chemung County Republican

Chairman Rodney Strange, Oswego County Republican Chairman Mike Backus and Orleans County Republican Chairman Ed Morgan.

“I’m thrilled to be here on the Southern Tier, home to great Republican veterans like Senator Tom Libous and County Executive Debbie Preston, as well as Republican Rising Stars like Mayor Rich David and Chairman Bijoy Datta.  Thanks to all of their great work, Republicans around the state can look forward to another great year in 2014.”

Broome County has received Statewide attention in political circles for its recent trend of strong Republican electoral victories, including winning the Binghamton Mayor’s Office with the victory of Republican Rich David in 2013, winning the Broome County Executive’s Office with the victory of Republican Debbie Preston in 2011 (and her re-election to a full term in 2012), winning control of the County Legislature with a Republican Majority in 2010, and holding 15 of 16 current Town Supervisor seats.