Attorney seeks Family Court bench
Republican Primary expected in Fulton County this yearBy MICHAEL ANICH/The Leader-Herald
Article Photos
JOHNSTOWN - Attorney John Clo announced Tuesday he is running for Fulton County Family Court judge.
Standing on the steps of the historic Fulton County Courthouse, the 47-year-old Gloversville city attorney and Montgomery County prosecutor said he is ready to take on the challenges of family court.
"I believe I am the best-qualified candidate for the Fulton County Family Court judgeship, and I believe that Fulton County deserves the best," Clo said in his prepared remarks to friends and family gathered outside the courthouse. "I am proud and honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Fulton County Family Court judge."
Clo, of 13 Lark St., Gloversville, was joined by his wife, Lynette, and their children, Noah and Evelyn, on the courthouse steps on a frigid morning.
His father - Norman Clo of Gloversville - said an eight-member campaign team led by Connie Cockrell was formed late last year.
"He's got a very energetic team," Clo said of his son's early campaign effort.
John Clo has a campaign Web site at www.johnclo.com.
"Family courts in New York state are quite unique," the candidate said. "Unlike most other courts a person may appear in, family courts deal exclusively with the well-being and the best interests of our children. Family courts are open to all at no administrative cost to the participant. Perhaps more importantly, and more than any other court, family courts touch all of our lives in some way."
Clo is vying for a position from which former Family Court Judge David F. Jung was removed last year. The position has a 10-year term and pays $136,700 annually.
After months of fighting to keep his seat on the bench, Jung was removed by the state's highest court Oct. 28. The state Commission on Judicial Conduct had recommended in January 2008 that Jung be removed, citing five cases in which Jung was accused of violating the rights of people appearing before him.
The position has been temporarily occupied for several months by Gloversville City Court Judge Vincent DeSantis.
Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat, must by law make an appointment to replace Jung until the November general election. That appointment is expected by late February.
Attorney Edward F. Skoda of Johnstown, also a Republican, already has been endorsed by both the Fulton County Republican and Democratic Committees for the Family Court judgeship, and other candidates may come forward to set up a GOP primary for the position in September.
Fulton County Republican Committee Chairwoman Susan McNeil said Tuesday the county GOP endorsed Skoda before any candidates publicly announced their intentions to run for the post because "we just wanted to jump aboard."
Clo, also a Republican, said he will be able to handle his city attorney duties while running for the family court judgeship. He noted he has been an assistant district attorney for 16 years. He has maintained a private law practice in Gloversville dedicated to working on family law issues, he said.
"During my entire time I have been practicing law, the majority of my work as an attorney has been spent working for the best interests of the children who appear before our family courts," Clo said.
"I have been before the family court literally hundreds of times over the years," he said. "Not only has the majority of my work as an attorney been spent representing children and their families in family court, it is the work that I find rewarding."
Clo said he has represented and assisted children, while also prosecuting parents who neglect or abuse children.
"And Family Court is not all litigation," Clo said. "Just last week, it was my pleasure to represent a couple in their adoption of a little boy who had previously been in the foster care system."
Clo said he looks forward to campaigning this spring and summer throughout the county. His campaign headquarters is at 32 Spring St., Gloversville.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com
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hardworkingmom
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01-15-09 4:28 PM
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We are a county in need of change. Enough of the "It's my turn elections". Mr. Clo is a Navy Veteran, 15 years as a law guardian in various Family Courts, and he really does the job and not just showing up to build a retirement, he truly cares a lot. His work, both private practice and county work, are all geared towards Family Law. I have heard that some members of both political committee's would have endorsed him. Mr. Clo is the change we need, the change we want, and you can tell he is going against the "it's my turn" elections. Over the next few months, go hear him speak, ask questions and judge for yourself. He has my vote! ****johnclo****, his site is very informative. As a resident, you must do your research on who is best to lead and run our local governments and courts. Someone who cares deeply about children is necessary. Children are our future. Let's protect them with someone who has put the time in as a Law Guardian and advocate for children
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Oliver
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01-15-09 9:23 AM
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resident69 sre you neglecting your duties. I'm glad I don't work for the state. You would have got me by now. Good thing I have a great boss
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resident69
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01-15-09 9:17 AM
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This county is all messed up any way so give him a shot. I hear through the grapevine they plan to appoint a bonehead from the John stead home boy group to be treasurer... gee didn't they put the woman in there? What's up with that? As for rumors I hear that Resident69 is doing this from a computer at his job in the Albany area while watching for others abusing the network for personal business. LOL
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Oliver
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01-15-09 8:35 AM
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I don't know for sure yet, but I don't really like how he handles city businiess, not sure if he'll be any better as Family Court judge.
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Oliver
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01-15-09 8:33 AM
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My bad but the article is kind of confusing
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Adirondackal
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01-15-09 8:33 AM
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Why is it that Russ Martin had to resign his job to run for Family Court Judge and this guy can keep his job while he runs?
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Discobulous
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01-15-09 8:31 AM
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But Attorney Skoda looks like George Hamilton. Doesn't that count for something?
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Freewill
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01-14-09 10:16 PM
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Atty. Clo is a kind and considerate man who would definately serve the people of Fulton Co. very well. He has many years of family ct. experience and life experience as well. He is just what Fulton Co. needs.
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RobinWentworth
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01-14-09 8:36 PM
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Skoda was endorsed by the Fulton County Democratic Committee only for the appointment by the governor for the remaining time of the term that Jung was removed from. My understanding is that the Republican Committee announced their support of that appointment by the governor, but I do not recall hearing about an official endorsement of Skoda to the governor from the Repubican Committee. There have been no endorsements of candidates who will run for the position in the November election.
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Oliver
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01-14-09 7:28 PM
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Is it just me or o other people find it odd that both parties have already thrown their support behind Skoda, Wasn't that premature? How did they know someone more qualified would throw their hat into the ring. Nothing against Skoda I really don't know him other than past races but to me thats odd, the primary is 9 months away ellection 11
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TheArchitect
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01-14-09 7:20 PM
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Mr. Clo is certainly no Judge Jung, although, he may be the best we can do.
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Indianajones
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01-14-09 6:44 PM
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What has John Clo done for our community except cost us money in Gloversville by farming out cases he couldn't handle. Ed Skoda is far more qualified for the Family Court position and has far more experience than John Clo. Being endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic parties--I believe both parties did their due diligence and by both endorsing Ed Skoda maybe now we can take the tarnish off our county which has suffered by the removal of a former Judge. I'll support Ed Skoda based on his experience and hope the Governor appoints him.
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lucycat43
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01-14-09 5:54 PM
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Cute kids, wife coached soccer, wonderful people ? Tell me what the above has to do with his qualifications to sit on the Family Court bench. He can barely keep up with city business. He is too busy representing 2 city officials and a former city official in their divorces. Conflict of interest, and unethical in my opinion. Skoda is no better. What are his qualifications ? Good grief people, have you not learned to look at anyone's background/qualifications ? Didn't you learn your lesson with the current Mayor and council people ? No wonder this city is in the sad shape it is in.
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kristina
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01-14-09 4:48 PM
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I hope he wins! His wife was my daughters soccer coach. Wonderful people. Good luck!
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resident69
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01-14-09 3:22 PM
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Like the New President has said...It's time for a change!! I think Mr. Clo should be the change!
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Discobulous
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01-14-09 11:56 AM
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He'll have a tough run against Skoda.
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westielover
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01-14-09 11:45 AM
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I love little Noah on the left. Cute pic!
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