(Madison County, NY- May 2015) In November 2015, Madison County will elect a new County Judge to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Biagio DiStefano after e18 years of service. Three practicing attorneys are seeking the endorsement of the Madison County Democratic Committee. On May 7, the three potential candidates, all women, presented their qualifications and perspectives at a well-attended meeting of the Committee held at the Colgate Inn.
The person who is elected Madison County Judge in November will preside over three courts: family court, criminal court, and surrogate’s court. The term of office is 10 years.
The three candidates seeking the Madison County Court Judgeship are:
Karin H. Marris, a resident of Erieville in the Town of Nelson. A practicing attorney for 27 years, Marris has been litigating family and criminal cases in Onondaga and Madison Counties. Her degrees are from Onondaga Community College, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, and Syracuse University College of Law.
Marris served five years as Town Justice in Nelson and 12 years on the Cazenovia School Board. She serves on the Assigned Council Panel in Madison and Onondaga Counties, and on the Madison County Public Defenders Board of Directors.
\Suzanne Knight, a resident of Oneida, who has been a practicing attorney since 2002. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Knight represents the Madison County Department of Social Services in providing legal counsel for Child Welfare Fair Hearings. Her work history includes serving as an attorney for Service Employees International Union and with an Oneida legal firm.
Knight is an active member of the Bar Association and has held leadership positions in this professional organization. Her degrees are from Canisius College and SUNY Buffalo Law School.
Marian J. Cerio, a resident of Canastota. Cerio has practiced law for more than 30 years in Madison and Oneida Counties, focusing on all aspects of family court in addition to wills real estate, and misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters. She has advocated for a diverse client base, including men, women, and children from all social and economic strata.
Cerio earned degrees from SUNY Brockport and Syracuse University College of Law. She has a long history of community engagement and is currently serving as the President of the Canastota School Board.
There has never been a woman Judge in Madison County.
The Committee will consider an endorsement after members have further opportunities to interact with the three candidates.