Today, I post a candidate interview with Jared Eggleston, the Republican nominee for Dresden Town Justice. While voters play a critical role in deciding who should be judges, judicial candidates are limited in discussing certain subjects and cannot state how they would rule in specific cases. Below are my questions and Mr. Eggleston’s responses.
Can you explain what the Town Justice does?
The Dresden Town court is separate from all other town businesses.
The Town Justice is responsible for judicial and administrative duties while providing source of legal information to the community. In addition, the justice is responsible for the communication of all legal matters with all levels of the law enforcement agencies.
Many times the court justice is called upon at any hour of the day or night for arraignments for this court and adjacent town courts. The local Town Justice can act as a Family Court Judge in the absence of the County Family Court Judges when not in session.
All records and monetary transactions for the court must be maintained in a computer generated system for audit purposes.
The Town Justice must maintain a high level of continued education annually.
Last but not least the Justice must have the ability to make reasonable and sound judgments with ethical standards, using consideration at all times under the confines of the laws “with interests and justice for all.”
Could you tell us about yourself and your background?
Married with 2 children ages 5 – Marissa & 8 – Ethan.
Spouse (Becky) works as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor with a Masters Degree
Occupation: Production Leader, General Electric Aviation
Currently have 13 years of service working my way from an hourly machine operator to a Production Leader.
Education: Received a Bachelors in Economics from SUNY Potsdam in 1998.
Age: 39
Who is responsible for the Town Justices Budget and could the costs of judicial administration be lowered?
The Town Justice’s budget is set by the Dresden Town Board, however the Justice’s of the town continually seek grants and other resources through the state to minimize as many administrative costs as possible.
As a prospective Town Justice, what do you consider your greatest strengths?
Some of my strengths are the ability and willingness to adapt to all situations, changes in the laws and regulations, and maintaining a broad and fair-minded perspective.
I am of the belief that the law needs to be dispensed fairly and proficiently to each and every individual.
Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Eggleston for his responses. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.