I’ll be the first to admit I know little about the candidates running for local office in Rockland County, nor very much about the positions themselves. I joined RPDC in the hope that a local blog can help break the cycle of ignorance and apathy that comes from “yard sign politics” and we can all make more informed decisions come election day.
I hope this will be only the first of many “questionnaire” posts designed to inform voters, and to expand and elevate discussion. Our first conversation is with Judith Bachman, running for one of two Clarkstown Town Justice seats.
Question 1: Can you describe the duties of Clarkstown Town Justice for those of us who aren’t familiar?
JUDY BACHMAN: The court provides a forum for a wide range of local issues involving: small claims matters (up to $3000 in issue), landlord-tenant disputes, vehicle and traffic infractions, town code enforcement and some criminal matters. It also has a domestic violence part, a drug court, and functions as the arraignment site for accused as a supplement to the State Supreme Court.
Question 2: Can you share your background and qualifications?
JUDY BACHMAN: I built my twenty year career as a trial lawyer starting as an intern in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. I then became a litigation associate at one of the country’s largest litigation firms. After that firm broke-up, I became a litigation associate at another large firm in Manhattan.
In 1996, I developed my own local practice focusing on commercial litigation, small claims and collection matters.
I won numerous academic awards while attending the State University of New York at Binghamton. I received my Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago in 1990. I am admitted to practice law in both New York and New Jersey.
Question 3: Can you discuss any differences between you and your opponent and how this race may impact Clarkstown residents?
JUDY BACHMAN: I have lived in Clarkstown most of my life, and I care deeply about this community. I believe that I can directly impact our quality of life by bringing the right balance of understanding and firmness to the local court.
As an aside, my candidacy presents the voters with a rare opportunity to effect a true change. In the 220 year existence of the Clarkstown Justice Court, the Court has had only one female justice, who served only a few months. It is time for a change.
Also, in balancing a busy local practice with a toddler and twins, I understand first-hand the difficulties people can face in their everyday lives. I believe a judge who really understands the challenges people face nowadays is a better judge.
