With local primary elections approaching, The Evening Sun met with both Republican candidates in the run for Norwich City Court Judge––an elected position held for the last 17 years by the Hon. James Downey, who is retiring at the end of this year. The 10-year term pays a salary of $108,800. What follows are the two candidates' stories, and why they see themselves as fit to sit as the next city court judge. Primary elections are slated for next Tuesday, September 12.

Steve Natoli is a local attorney running for Norwich City Court Judge.

“Norwich City Court handles traffic matters, criminal matters, small claims, landlord-tenant––I have appeared on all of those matters, in one form or another,” said Natoli.

Graduating from Norwich High School in 1993, Natoli went on to continue his studies at the College of Saint Rose in 1997, and then at Albany Law School.

After getting his degree in law in 2000, Natoli worked in Albany as counsel to a New York State senator.