Cayuga County sheriff’s deputies are throwing their support behind Chris Valdina’s bid for county judge, according to The Citizen. The Cayuga County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Association Local 9820 announced it backs Valdina, the chief assistant district attorney, to replace Judge Thomas Leone.
Union president Mathew Temple pointed to Valdina’s courtroom record, including more than 50 jury trials and over 100 defended convictions on appeal. He said Valdina understands law enforcement’s challenges while respecting due process.
Valdina, endorsed by local Republican and Conservative parties, faces Auburn attorney Ben Susman, who has Democratic backing. Leone will step down at year’s end as he nears the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70.
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