NORWICH – Norwich native and local attorney Steve Natoli today announces his candidacy for the office of Norwich City Court Judge – an elected position held for the last 17 years by the Hon. James Downey, who is reportedly retiring at the end of this year.

“Jim Downey has honorably served this community as our City Court Judge and prior to that as District Attorney,” noted Natoli. “Our community is fortunate to have had such a dedicated public servant.”

Upon his learning of the decision of Judge Downey’s to retire at the end of 2017, Natoli has notified the local party leadership of his intent to run on the Republican ballot line this upcoming November.

No stranger to Norwich City Court – which presides over civil, criminal, and traffic proceedings in the city – Natoli has appeared regularly before the court over the past 11 years as part of his private practice in law, serving clients in the areas of criminal defense, real estate, family court, municipal law, and estates.

Natoli also serves as an Assistant County Attorney for Chenango County, Attorney for the Towns of Norwich and Guilford, and an Attorney for Children.

“I am aware of how members of our community feel as they face the judge that will determine their traffic ticket or adjudicate their small claims dispute, as I have walked many clients through this process,” said Natoli. “My experience representing litigants and the accused in Norwich City Court has given me the unique ability to understand the need to balance the rights of an accused with those of the local community, while having a firm understanding of the law.”

Natoli – born and raised in Norwich – graduated from Albany Law School before beginning his legal career as legislative counsel to State Senator Thomas Morahan in 2001.

Prior to serving as legislative counsel to Sen. Morahan, Natoli served as a fellow in the New York State Senate and also served in the office of Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.

A graduate of Norwich High School, Natoli returned to the area with his wife, Lisa, to raise their two daughters and open their private legal practice, Natoli & Natoli, LLP, in 2006.

In addition to the roles Natoli has played in law and government, he has also held a number of volunteer and leadership roles in Norwich and the surrounding area. Natoli currently serves as Chairman of the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Chenango County, President of St. Bartholomew’s Parish Council, Secretary of the Chenango County Bar Association, and Chairperson of the Government Affairs Committee of Commerce Chenango.

“I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to seek to serve the community that has contributed so profoundly to who I am, both as an attorney and as a person,” said Natoli. “I believe that my service to this community through my law practice, as well as through my involvement in community organizations, has prepared me in a unique way for the office of City Court Judge.”