(Albany, NY) The Police Benevolent Association of the New
York State Troopers has announced their endorsement of Republican Judge
Chauncey Watches in this year’s race for Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge.
The organization represents approximately 6,000 active and retired uniformed
men and women of the New York State Police from the rank of Trooper to Major.
In their endorsement letter, the Troopers PBA stated, “It is
with careful consideration that the PBA is endorsing Chauncey J. Watches for
Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge. The challenges facing members of the law
enforcement community are greater than ever before, and we need individuals
like Chauncey J. Watches in leadership positions.”
“The brave men and women of the State Police understand that
Surrogate Court requires an experienced judge; it’s not a place for on-the-job
training,” said Judge Watches. “I’m honored to have earned their endorsement in
this important election, which will impact Steuben County resident for many
years to come.”
Demonstrating strong support from the law enforcement
community, Judge Watches was endorsed earlier this summer by the Bath Police
Benevolent Association.
Judge Watches has served as a Municipal Judge in Bath for
the last 13 years, where he has helped to resolve thousands of challenging
cases. Beyond his tenure behind the bench, he also runs his own private legal
practice and has previously served as a prosecutor and as Assigned Counsel
through the Public Defender's Office. He has also handled cases in Surrogate
Court for nearly 30 years. No other candidate in this race has served in the courtroom
from all sides – prosecutor, defense and judge.
Surrogate Court has jurisdiction over estate proceedings and
is responsible for granting and supervising the guardianships of infants and
incapacitated adults. The Surrogate Judge is also regularly assigned to County
Court, Family Court and Supreme Court in Steuben and seven surrounding
counties.
Beyond his unparalleled legal qualifications, Judge Watches
has given back to our community by volunteering as Past President of Canisteo
Rotary Club and Hornell Alumni Association, as a member of numerous Boards of
Directors for local community organizations, and as a former coach of youth
soccer, basketball and baseball.
The Republican, Conservative and Independence Primary
Elections will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, while the General
Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. This seat will be open due
to the pending retirement of Judge Marianne Furfure.
