During the election for Family Court judge in 2014, both Michael Sullivan and Sally Jaroszynski proved to be excellent candidates. Both have extensive experience in the court system and have been superior advocates for their clients.

Concerns regarding potentially tarnished ratings by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission have recently surfaced. The comptroller’s harsh report on missing funds from the Ellicott Town Court where Jaroszynski serves as a town justice also is disconcerting. But this election, which is due to the June retirement of respected Judge Hon. Judith Claire, comes down to who is best suited for the bench and has the best temperament.

In Jaroszynski’s case, she has served on the Appellate Court’s Attorney for the Child Program Panel for most of her career representing children through the Family Court process. She has received Congressional recognition for her work in providing civil legal services to low-income Chautauqua County families and has worked to provide volunteer legal services to help ensure equal access to justice for all Chautauqua County residents regardless of means.

Sullivan, who receives our backing, has been endorsed by the Republican, Conservative, Green and Independent parties. His experience includes serving as the Chautauqua County liaison to the Appellate Court’s Attorney for the Child program from Chautauqua County for 20 years. He also is on the New York State Child Welfare Court Improvement Project Steering Committee, serving as co-chair of the adolescent subcommittee as well as being a panel member on the New York State Surrogate Decision Making Committee.