WAYLAND -- Patrick McAllister, of Wayland, is now officially
on the Sept. 12 primary ballots for Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge.
“The people of Steuben County want a Surrogate Court Judge
who has experience – in Surrogate Court,” said McAllister. “A Surrogate Court
Judge is different from any other judge and the only training that prepares one
for this job is practicing in Surrogate Court.”
Surrogate Court judges handle several different kinds of
cases, but focus on wills and estates of the deceased, adoptions and the
guardianship of incompetent persons. In Steuben, Surrogate Court judges also
can be assigned work in felony criminal court and family court matters.
McAllister, who announced his candidacy in early February,
said he has strong support for his candidacy from voters in three parties.
McAllister collected more than 3,000 signatures of
registered Republicans to secure a place on the Republican primary ballot –
more than three times the minimum signatures required.
He also secured a place on the Conservative and Independence
parties lines for the Sept. 12 Primary bringing the total signatures to almost
3,400 voters.
“The total number of signatures collected shows people in
Steuben County are involved in our political process and concerned about who is
elected to this position,” McAllister said. “I sincerely thank them for their
help and support.”
An attorney for 35 years, and former county legislator,
McAllister is now a county Assistant District Attorney and maintains a private
practice.
His work in Steuben’s Surrogate Court includes the probate
and administration of estates and all aspects of guardianship proceedings and
adoptions. He also has experience in felony matters and Family Court, where he
has represented hundreds of children.
McAllister looks to fill the vacancy left by county Judge
Marianne Furfure, who will retire after 20 years on the bench.
