Women’s Bar Association Rates This Year’s Judicial Candidates

All but one of the candidates running for judicial seats in the Nov. 5 general election are deemed qualified to hold a seat, according to a rating system used by the Westchester Women’s Bar Association.

The ratings are based on judicial temperament, knowledge of the law, legal writing ability, general reputation, character and fitness, and attitudes towards women’s issues. Possible ratings are “outstanding,” “well qualified,” “qualified” or “not qualified” for the judicial office the candidate seeks.

Each candidate is rated after undergoing an interview with Women’s Bar Association’s screening committee and filling out a questionnaire. The review committee also takes a look at each candidate’s resume, written decisions, legal brief and any other relevant writing samples.

Experience and references from lawyers who have either appeared before the candidate, worked as an opposing lawyer against the candidate or worked as a co-counsel with the candidate are also used.

If a candidate does not appear before the review committee, fails to give written materials, or otherwise fails to cooperate, a rating of “not qualified” is given.

The County Court and Family Court seats carry 10-year terms, while the state Supreme Court seat carries a 14-year term. All of the seats carry annual salaries of $136,700.

There is only one seat up for grabs in each of the county race and five seats up for election in the state Supreme Court race.

Here are the ratings below.

Supreme Court for the Ninth Judicial District, (which includes the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange and Putnam):

*Hon. Daniel D. Angiolillo(Republican, Conservative, Independent)— Outstanding

Daniel Castricone, Esq.(Republican) —Not Qualified

Hon. John P. Colangelo(Democrat, Conservative, Working Family, Independent)—Well Qualified

Hon. Christie McEvoy Derrico(Republican)—Well Qualified

*Hon. Mark C. Dillon(Republican, Conservative, Working Family, Independent)—Outstanding

Alexander E. Eisemann, Esq.(Democrat)—Well Qualified

Victor G. Grossman, Esq.(Democrat, Conservative, Working Family)—Well Qualified

Hon. Janet C. Malone(Democrat)—Well Qualified

*Hon. John W. Sweeny, Jr.(Republican, Conservative, Working Family, Independent)—Outstanding

Hon. Maria S. Vazquez-Doles(Democrat, Working Family, Independent)—Qualified

Westchester County Court

Montgomery J. Delaney, Esq. (Republican)—Qualified

David F. Everett, Esq.(Democrat, Working Family, Independent)—Well Qualified

Westchester County Family Court

*Hon. Kathie E. Davidson(Democrat, Republican, Working Family, Independent)—Outstanding

(* indicates incumbent)