To the Editor:
(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2015) This may be an “off year” for elections, with all of the media focus on the 2016 Presidential candidates, but we have an important election in Madison County on November 3: the election of the next Madison County Court Judge. The County Court Judge in Madison County wears three hats and presides over three courts: Family Court, Surrogate’s Court and County Court, our Criminal Court.
It matters who wins. The outcome of the judicial election is sure to have a direct impact on the lives of people you know, your families, your neighbors and friends, if not you personally. This is because the majority of the work done by our Madison County Judge is in Family Court. It matters that we elect the candidate whose career of experience in Family Court and in working as an attorney for children far surpasses her opponents. It matters that we elect Marian J. Cerio as our next Madison County Judge.
Family Court is where decisions are made that directly impact the daily lives of children, parents and grandparents. Family Court Judges decide issues such as child custody (which parent does the child of divorced parents live with?) parental visitation rights (how often does a parent get to see his or her children? ), rights of grandparents and child support. These are emotional, heart-wrenching and life changing decisions.
Marian J. Cerio’s experience in Family Court matters makes her uniquely suited for our next County Court Judge. She has the most relevant experience and the qualities you should want in a Judge. She was born and raised in Madison County, chose to raise her children in her hometown of Canastota and chose to have her law practice in Canastota for 30 years. She has devoted her law practice primarily to Family Court matters and has handled hundreds of trials in Family Court. Marian has been an Attorney for the Children, working with and helping children through the Family Court process for over 30 years.
In addition to experience, what qualities, or traits, are important for a Judge, particularly a Family Court Judge? Honesty. Integrity. Compassion. The ability to listen. The ability to make decisions based on what is right and fair as opposed to being influenced by personal feelings or bias. I have had the privilege of serving with Marian Cerio on the Canastota School Board for the past 3 ½ years where she currently is the President. From that experience, I can say that Marian embodies all of these qualities.
Marian has a compassionate and caring approach to students and parents. She treats everyone with dignity and respect. Her focus is on reaching a just and fair decision in every instance. She listens to all sides of issues and searches for what is fair and right. Working with Marian, I have seen her tireless dedication, her ability to relate to children and parents, her ability to make everyone feel valued and at ease. Through her service on the Canastota school board, Marian’s pride and compassion for her community and the residents of Madison County shines through.
Marian has protected children in Family Court for over 30 years. Marian knows how to protect children and families in crisis. She understands what families, parents, grandparents and most importantly, children, are going through when they are faced with issues in Family Court
Please join me in voting for Marian J. Cerio as the next Madison County Judge on Nov. 3.
Martha L. Berry, Canastota