Two vie for one justice seat in Clarkson

Two vie for one justice seat in Clarkson

Samantha Golden is taking a second run at the justice seat in the Town of Clarkson elections - she was defeated in 2005. Christopher Wilcox, who sits on the bench, is seeking election to the seat to which he was appointed earlier this year.

Golden said she decided to run again this year because, "From an early age, my parents instilled in me a desire to serve my community and to make a difference in the world through the example of outstanding moral character and a deep history of public service," she said.

In 1998, she and her husband moved their family to Clarkson, bought a home and settled into the town, which she said, they have come to love.

She cites her "unique skill sets and record of academic achievement and excellence" as items that make her an attractive, viable candidate. "I hold a bachelor's in public affairs, with a concentration in criminal justice and social welfare policy issues from SUNY Albany, and a master's in education - counseling from SUNY Brockport," she said, adding that, "While at University, I was chosen as an intern to G. Chris Ortloff, a prominent Republican, as an administrative intern my junior year. I worked on research on the Adirondack park variance issues and answering constituent concerns."

Golden's memberships and activities include being a volunteer at the Oswego County Youth Court (1988), a NY representative, National Young Leaders Council, Washington, DC (1990) and her criminal justice experience is in the end phase of criminal adjudication - probation. "I held three Criminal Justice Internships: Oswego County Probation and Albany County Probation where I assisted in Inter and Intrastate transfers of supervision," she said.

She cited 1990 US census reports that state the population of Clarkson was 4,517 and that the 2000 US Census states the total population for the town grew to 6,072. "As more new families move to Clarkson, it is essential that we optimize our level of service and investigate more efficient and cost effective ways of providing judicial reform and oversight for town justices," she said.

"Only 17 percent of town and village justices in New York are practicing attorneys," she said. "The Unified Court System of New York State offers a grant program to provide $1 million in funding for towns to purchase computers, or other needed office supplies. Securing a grant would increase services without raising taxes and allow courts to electronically file the required reports, increasing efficiency and service, while bringing the courts into the electronic age. This would also allow the state to monitor judicial conduct and to provide oversight of town justices, ensuring that ethics are held to the highest standard.

When asked if there was one thing she would tell the voters about herself and about why they should cast their vote for her, Golden said, "One aspect for which you cannot legislate or train is moral character. It is the responsibility of the voters to choose the candidate that most closely aligns with their moral values and offers the highest degree of ethical standards."

Golden and her husband, Kirk, have three sons. She has been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post #2320 for 20 years.

Christopher Wilcox has served as a town justice of Clarkson since May 31.

When asked why he initially sought the judgeship, Wilcox wrote in an e-mail that after being approached by a member of the Republican Committee about the open vacancy, he spoke with current and former town and village justices. "They informed me of the gratification they receive in the position," he said. "Also, after practicing in justice courts around the state, I realized how important the position is and how important it is to know the law."

Wilcox has an associate's degree in criminal justice from MCC, a bachelor's in criminal science and communication from RIT, a J.D. from Albany Law School and has completed the State of New York Magistrate Course. He is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association and the Orleans County Bar Association.

Wilcox said when it comes to any changes that need to be addressed in Clarkson's court system, he believes that placing recording devices in the courtroom is a good idea. "Security is another issue that should be addressed. I'm not so sure every courtroom needs to heighten security, but it's certainly something every justice court should explore," he said.

Because of his legal background and education, Wilcox said he will be able to make certain that justice is served if he is on the bench. "I believe that having argued for both the plaintiff and the defendant in numerous cases in justice courts, I have the ability of knowing the law and seeing the truth through evidence and testimony," he said.

Wilcox is a lifelong resident of the town who feels he would be the best person for the position because, "I am a practicing attorney and educated in many aspects of the law. I have practiced in many justice courts around the state. I am hard working and ambitious. I am very qualified for the job."