Meeting the need of the community for convenient access to the court is paramount, but keeping in compliance with directives from the state while avoiding undue burden on the taxpayer requires constant vigilance. Again, Gardiner’s current justices have been responsive to these challenges.
If elected, what would be your top two priorities?
If elected, my top priorities will be to give unbiased, objective consideration to all matters before me and to be respectful and impartial toward all civil litigants, as well as those accused in criminal matters.
Carmine Mele (R)
Why did you decide to run for town justice?
I have been involved in town government for many years. I have been a member of the town Planning Board for over 12 years, several of them as chairman, and for the last four years have been a member of the Town Board. During that time, I believe I have developed a straightforward and objective reputation for listening to the issues in front of me and applying the law as intended, or more often, just following common sense. Over that time, I have seen this style in the town justices and I admired it. They deal with everyday issues, some small but all important, and many people, some local and some not, and try to quickly and fairly come to a just resolution.
For some people, the town court is the only part of the Town of Gardiner government they see and it should be efficient and equitable. I decided to run for town justice because I believe my experience and commitment to helping Gardiner be a better place to live would be consistent with that view of the court.
What experience/skills/qualifications do you have that you believe would make you a competent town justice?
In addition to my years on town boards deciding on applicant and general town issues, I am an attorney; and while I do not make my living as one, I use that background in my job at IBM. My management responsibilities are to assure compliance throughout a large organization to a wide variety of federal and state laws, as well as corporate policies, to assure we do not inadvertently violate them. I am also responsible for the negotiation and execution of many corporate and government contracts. This involves not only a working knowledge of the law, but also working with people who have differing goals, keeping things on track and working towards mutually agreeable resolutions. I believe that these skills are something I can bring to many situations as the town justice, as I have studied the court, and much of its activity is related to the management of cases and the efficient coordination of parties when court is not in session.
In addition to the objectivity and judgment I will bring behind the bench, I also bring strong schedule management, as well as organizational and people skills behind the scenes.
What do you see as the top two challenges facing the Gardiner town court?
There has been a recent uptick in changes to the vehicle and traffic laws of New York State and the trend is likely to continue. The challenge for the court has been the fair application of those laws and consistent treatment of the people that come before the court. Keeping abreast of those changes and following other judicial treatment of them, to learn best practices as well as pitfalls, to assure the fair administration of the law, will always be the biggest challenge.
If elected, what would be your top two priorities?
Making sure that the Gardiner town court remains fair and objective for all parties that come before it and that it remains a well-organized and efficient part of the town government.
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