The Town of Canandaigua is accepting applications through Nov. 13 to fill a vacant town justice seat for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027.
The Town Board will make the appointment because the window to fill the vacancy through the normal election process has closed, Supervisor Don Cotter said in the town's November newsletter. Applicants must be town residents and available for a full week of mandatory judicial training in Albany in December.
Residency and training are required
The part-time justice presides over proceedings in the Town of Canandaigua Justice Court. Candidates must meet and maintain New York's statutory eligibility requirements for appointment and demonstrate sound judgment, impartiality, integrity and professionalism, according to the town's announcement.
The town also seeks the ability to interpret and apply laws and court procedures. Prior legal, judicial, law enforcement or relevant court-related experience is preferred but is not required.
Applicants must be available for mandatory judicial training in Albany from Dec. 14 through Dec. 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Availability for the entire schedule is a condition of consideration for the appointment.
The appointee would serve only the remainder of the current term. The position would then be filled through the November 2027 general election, with the elected justice beginning a new term Jan. 1, 2028, the town said.
Position covers criminal, civil and traffic cases
The justice's responsibilities include criminal, civil, traffic, small claims and landlord-tenant matters within the court's jurisdiction.
The person appointed would conduct arraignments, preliminary proceedings, hearings and trials, issue warrants and other authorized judicial orders, and make independent judicial decisions. Duties also include imposing lawful sentences and assessing appropriate fines and fees.
The justice must maintain courtroom decorum and conduct proceedings fairly and in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. The announcement calls for compliance with the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct and other statutory and court-system requirements.
Administrative responsibilities include ensuring that court records and reports are properly maintained and that court finances are accounted for. The justice must work with court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement and other participants while maintaining judicial independence.
The appointee must also complete required judicial training and continuing education.
How to apply
Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume no later than Nov. 13, 2026. Applications may be emailed to Town Clerk Crystelyn Laske at claske@townofcanandaigua.org.
The recommended email subject line is "Interim Town Justice Application," followed by the applicant's name.
Applications may also be mailed or delivered in person to the Town of Canandaigua, attention Town Clerk, 5440 Route 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Mailed and hand-delivered materials must be received by the deadline.
Cotter's message also invites residents interested in other town service to contact him or Lindsay Frarey at LFrarey@townofcanandaigua.org. It lists one opening on the Board Finance Committee and opportunities to participate in the Environmental Conservation Board, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Park and Recreation Committee, Trails Group, Seniors Working Group, Cemetery Committee, Tree Team and Open Space Team.
Residents may also propose a new community-driven committee or team. Cotter listed the next Town Board meeting for 6 p.m. Nov. 16 and a Town Hall meeting for 6 p.m. Nov. 23, both at Town Hall.
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