JOHNSTOWN - Republican Fulton County Family Court Judge Edward F. Skoda on Sunday was sworn in for the second time this year, but this time after having been elected by county voters.
About 200 family members and friends were present for a 30-minute swearing-in ceremony at the County Courthouse. ?The event was presided over by Skoda's former law partner, state Supreme Court Justice Richard T. Aulisi. Skoda was sworn in for a 10-year term on the Family Court bench - a position that pays $136,700 annually.
The judge thanked supporters and all those who voted for him in his September primary and November general election victories over John N. Clo.
"We're indebted, and I don't know how I can repay it," Skoda said. "I suppose the best way I could do it would be to do the best job I can in Family Court. I will do my best to be fair, to treat all the litigants with dignity."
Skoda took the oath as the county's new Family Court judge for the first time April 26. He was nominated to the post earlier this year by Gov. David Paterson and confirmed by the state Senate after former Family Court Judge David F. Jung was removed from the bench last fall by the state Court of Appeals. The state Commission on Judicial Conduct determined Jung violated the rights of some individuals in Family Court cases.
During Sunday's ceremony, Skoda was accompanied by his wife, Maureen, and other family members. The judge, who lives in Johnstown, had maintained a law practice at 13 W. Fulton St. in Gloversville. He had served with law partners such as the late Charles Caputo, Aulisi and the last five years with attorney Heidi Gifford.
He has been an active lawyer in Gloversville since his admission to the bar in February 1974 and has represented clients in Fulton County Family Court proceedings since 1985. Born in 1948, Skoda attended local schools in Gloversville and graduated from the former Bishop Burke High School in 1966. He graduated from Siena College in 1970 and from Albany Law School in 1973.
"It was his compassion and his intelligence that made him one of the most successful attorneys in the area," Gifford said. She said she has missed Skoda's "knowledge of the law and his ability to explain it to me."
Aulisi said Skoda was an excellent choice as the county's latest jurist.
"Ed has made a huge difference in Family Court," Aulisi said. "Ed moves the calendar effectively while ensuring justice."
Skoda thanked his wife, his parents, his court staff and others, including several judges who were present and have helped him along the way.
"This has really been quite a year for the Skoda family," he said. "It's a real distinct honor ... I am very blessed."
A reception followed at the Holiday Inn.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.
