Maura Kennedy-Smith for County Judge

I weigh each of these difficult decisions with great care, understanding that what I do on the bench isn’t just a legal decision, it is a decision which impacts the lives of real people. No human being is a number to me, which is why I treat each case with the gravity and care it deserves. Whether working with families and felony defendants in county court or misdemeanor-level defendants in town court, I work hard to be prepared, fair, compassionate and kind to every person who appears in front of me.

Throughout my legal career, I have worked hard to address pressing issues we face, such as children’s welfare, intimate partner violence, and substance use. During my 17 years of experience in Tompkins County Court, I have witnessed the transformative impact a compassionate and skilled judge can have. That is the Judge I strive to be, a judge committed to due process for all to ensure fair and just outcomes.

Recent events have shown us the importance of equal representation on the bench. Presently we have three County Court Judges. None are women. The bench should reflect the demographics of our community. Having judges with comparable lived experiences to those who appear in County Court makes people appearing in court feel represented, respected, seen and heard. As a mother, and someone who already has spent 17 years in Family Court, I know many of the cases will be hard to hear, but I would be honored to lend both my legal expertise and lived experience to this critical process.

I hope you will vote to make me the first woman elected to the Tompkins County bench in over 30 years. I am ready to assume this important responsibility from day one, and believe my legal background and lived experience makes me the right woman for the job.