Highly experienced local attorney Diane DiStefano, a Republican, is running for Chenango County Family Court Judge. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Highly experienced local attorney Diane DiStefano, a Republican, is running for Chenango County Family Court Judge in this year’s election.

This new judgeship was recently created by the state legislature and governor through legislation passed earlier this year.

“For nearly 30 years, I’ve worked as an attorney right here in our region representing clients on a broad range of issues, including a large caseload in family court,” said DiStefano. “I’ve handled difficult cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, custody, divorce and many more areas that are regularly handled in family court. This hands-on experience, coupled with my tenures at the county attorney’s office and public defender’s office, have provided me with a broad-based knowledge and even-keeled temperament that will serve our community well.”

“Beyond my experience in family court, I’m also the only candidate who has actually served as a judge,” she added. DiStefano was elected as Guilford Town Justice as a Republican and served in the role during the 1990s.

Additionally, DiStefano is the only candidate who has earned endorsements from members of Chenango County’s delegation in the state legislature, most notably from Chenango County’s own Assemblyman Joe Angelino.

“Earlier this year, I voted ‘Yes’ on legislation to create this new family court judge position because I knew it would help with the backlog of cases in Chenango County,” said Assemblyman Angelino. “Now that the bill has been signed into law, it’s important that we elect the right Republican for the job, and that Republican is Diane DiStefano.”

“Diane is clearly the best candidate for this position. She has the family court experience, community commitment, legal skills and temperament that we need for this specific type of judgeship,” added Angelino, who has a strong understanding of the court system from having served as longtime Norwich Police and Fire Chief.

Aside from Assemblyman Angelino’s strong support, DiStefano has been endorsed by Senators Pete Oberacker and Joe Griffo, as well as Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. These four Republican state legislators comprise the entirety of Chenango County’s representation in the state legislature – a powerful show of support for DiStefano.

DiStefano also has a long track record of giving back to our community. She has volunteered as a former member of the Board of Directors for the Norwich Family YMCA, Gathering Place and Helping Hands to the Community, and through memberships with the Chenango County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and New York State Magistrates Association.

- Information from the Campaign Office of Diane DiStefano