Retired Canandaigua City Court Judge Stephen Aronson has announced his endorsement of Jim Ritts for re-election as Ontario County District Attorney in the upcoming Republican primary.
Aronson’s backing adds to a growing list of endorsements for Ritts, including support from former Supreme Court Justice Craig Doran, the New York State Troopers PBA, NYS Police Investigators Association, and the Ontario County Conservative Party.
“I’m endorsing Jim Ritts for re-election because he has the experience, skills, tenacity and temperament to handle the difficult challenges that come through the District Attorney’s Office every week,” Aronson said.
“During my 36 years serving as Canandaigua City Court Judge, I saw Jim’s work firsthand many times and was consistently impressed by his attention to detail and professionalism,” he added. “He impressed me as an outstanding attorney, an excellent prosecutor and a dedicated public servant. He has earned my respect and my vote in the upcoming Republican Primary Election for Ontario County District Attorney.”
Throughout his judicial career, Aronson introduced several reforms, including the early use of community service sentencing, and founded the Finger Lakes Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and Opioid Intervention Court. He also pioneered centralized arraignments and served as the first City Court Judge appointed as Acting County Court Judge in Ontario County.
Ritts has served as Ontario County District Attorney since 2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the office, handling thousands of cases, including serious violent crimes.
“There are few individuals in our region who have had a greater impact on our criminal justice system than Stephen Aronson,” Ritts said. “I’m proud to call him a friend and I am truly honored to have his endorsement in my re-election campaign.”
Primary Election Day is scheduled for June 24, with the General Election set for November 4. Early Voting and Absentee Voting options will be available for both elections.
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