A key law enforcement union has thrown its support behind Joe Dinolfo in the race for New York State Supreme Court in the Seventh Judicial District.
The Monroe County Law Enforcement Association, which represents county deputy sheriffs assigned to the court system, officially endorsed Dinolfo in a letter signed by MCLEA President James Eksten.
“We are impressed by your over 30 years of legal experience,” Eksten wrote. “Your background as a volunteer firefighter and strong ties to the law enforcement community demonstrate a deep respect for the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Eksten praised Dinolfo’s “commitment to justice, fairness, and public service,” and added, “We are confident that your presence on the bench will serve the people of Monroe County and surrounding counties with integrity and honor.”
Dinolfo, a Republican, is seeking one of two open Supreme Court seats in the Seventh Judicial District, which spans Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates Counties. The vacancies come after the retirements of Justices Gail Donofrio and Craig Doran.
Dinolfo has served the New York State Appellate Division, 4th Department, for the past 14 years, representing cognitively disadvantaged individuals involved in civil litigation. He has handled cases throughout the eight-county district and beyond.
Earlier in his career, Dinolfo practiced privately from 1993 to 2011, managing numerous family, criminal, and civil cases. He also served as a Hearing Examiner for the City of Rochester.
A lifelong Monroe County resident, Dinolfo is a first-generation American born in Rochester. He graduated from Gates-Chili High School, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Brockport, and the University of Dayton. He lives in Fairport with his wife, Nathalie, and their three daughters. He has volunteered with the Egypt Fire Department for 20 years.
Dinolfo is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. The General Election is set for Tuesday, November 4. Early voting will run from October 25 to November 2. Absentee ballots are available upon request.
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