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Candidates sought for part-time City Court judge position

By Press Release

Press release:

The City Council is seeking to fill a part-time City Court Judge position. This position is appointed by City Council to serve a six (6) year term and will be effective Jan. 1. Minimum qualifications require candidates to be an attorney admitted to practice law in the State of New York for at least five years as of the date he or she commences the duties of the office and must be a resident of the City of Batavia. 

All interested candidates please submit a letter of interest and resume to: 

City Court Judge

Attn: City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr.

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

Resumes and letters of interest are due by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. Please provide 10 hard copies of your materials directly to the City Manager’s office as well as an electronic copy.

If there are any questions, please contact:

Office of the City Manager

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

Phone: (585) 345-6330

Fax: (585) 343-8182

E-mail: rtabelski@batavianewyork.com

Durin Rogers to be sworn in as City Court judge on Dec. 20

By Mike Pettinella

Submitted photo and press release:

Durin B. Rogers, formerly the part-time judge for the City of Batavia, will assume the role and responsibilities as Batavia’s next full-time City Court Judge.

Rogers was elected to the full-time position on Nov. 5 and will take over on Jan. 1 for Judge Robert Balbick who will retire at the end of the year. 

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at noon on Friday, Dec. 20 in the Batavia City Courtroom located in the Genesee County Courts Facility, 1 W. Main St., Batavia.

All are welcome to attend.

City of Batavia to begin search for part-time justice position

By Mike Pettinella

The search for someone to fill the open position of part-time Batavia City Court Judge is under way.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski said that City Manager Martin Moore is soliciting applications for the opening. After that, Council will conduct interviews and fill the position.

The vacancy occurred when Durin Rogers, the current part-time justice, won the election for the full-time post earlier this month in a race against Ben Bonarigo.

Rogers said that he expects to be sworn in in mid-December.

Batavia City School Board President endorses Ben Bonarigo for full time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Patrick Burk proudly endorsed Batavia City Court Judge candidate Ben Bonarigo earlier this week.

Burk stated, “I do not take this endorsement lightly. There is something to be said about community, why we live where we live, and how as citizens we serve in that special place. That is why I’m endorsing Ben Bonarigo for City Court Judge. What is needed in our City Court is a judge that has decades of caring and public service.

"Additionally, Ben has the legal expertise and knowledge that is required to make sound and fair judgments from the bench. There is no one who has more experience, more public service or more compassion for his community than Ben. Our community deserves the best and Ben is truly exemplary of the qualities needed for this position.”

Burk is currently serving his 13th year on the Board of Education for Batavia City Schools. He is school board president. He is also the executive director of 56 Harvester, the local nonprofit theater organization.

“I truly appreciate Mr. Burk’s endorsement” Bonarigo said. “He is well known and respected as a champion for the education of our children in this community, and deeply cares about their future. We all need to do the best we can to serve our children and families for the future of Batavia.”

Veterans Service Agency director endorses Durin Rogers for city court judge

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

William R. Joyce, (above left) director of Genesee County’s Veterans Service Agency and a prominent advocate for veterans throughout the GLOW Region, has endorsed current part-time Judge Durin Rogers in his quest to become Batavia’s next full-time City Court Judge.

“As the director of the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency, I participate in the Veterans Treatment Court and I have seen Judge Rogers approach on the bench," Joce said. "Judge Rogers always appears to be just, fair and balanced, unbiased and impartial. His demeanor is perfect for the position.

"Judge Rogers always thanks every veteran for their service…is always on time and this is extremely important to those appearing before the bench…I have experienced Judge Rogers' handling cases in Veterans Court with knowledge, fairness, compassion and an open mind. Judge Rogers does not rush to judgement but instead listens to all sides before rendering a decision.

"...The Veterans appear to respond to Judge Rogers’ approach and they walk out of the courtroom with a full understanding of their responsibilities going forward.”

Joyce also praised Rogers’ dedication and commitment to his family and community in making his endorsement.

“I know Judge Rogers’ wife [local attorney Paula Campbell] as well," Joyce said. "They are great family people who are well known in the community.  Judge Rogers is a family man, dedicated and devoted to his family as well as to community involvement.

"Judge Rogers has volunteered for many civic boards and has helped so many people in his community…I fully support, highly recommend and endorse Judge Rogers as the next full time Batavia City Court Judge as the most qualified candidate.” 

Following the endorsement, Judge Rogers said, “I am extremely honored to have the support and endorsement of this amazing man who not only fought for our country, but today fights for the rights of those who have and continue to serve our nation. I look forward to continue to work with Bill and the Veterans Treatment Court…”

Rogers has been serving as the part-time City Court Judge for more than four years, following his unanimous appointment by Batavia City Council. He is seeking election to the full-time City Court position to succeed the retiring Judge, Robert Balbick.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5th. For further information, please contact the Committee to Elect Judge Rogers by visiting its Facebook page at @electjudgerogers (www.Facebook.com/electjudgerogers); by visiting www.electjudgerogers.com;  or by email at electjudgerogers@gmail.com

Two youth officials endorse Durin Rogers for full-time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Photo above: Part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers and Theresa Asmus-Roth, coordinator of Justice for Children Program.

Submitted photos and press release:

Theresa Asmus-Roth and Captain James C. Davis have added their names to the list of those endorsing Durin Rogers, a part-time Batavia City Court judge who is seeking election as the court's next full-time judge.

Asmuth-Roth is coordinator of Genesee County’s Justice for Children Program; Davis is coordinator of the County’s S.T.A.R. Program.

The Justice for Children Program is the Genesee County Agency that advocates for and give services to local children who have been victims of abuse or witnesses to violent acts, while the S.T.A.R. (Student Transition and Recovery) Program addresses the needs of local students who are facing school discipline or removal from their homes.

“I have worked with Judge Rogers in his role with the Genesee County Attorney’s Office as a part of the Justice for Children CORE team since my career in victim advocacy began in 2001," said Asmus-Roth, highlighting her experience with Rogers over the past 18 years.

"This has given me the opportunity to witness his dedication to child victims of abuse and view him as an experienced, thoughtful, and passionate legal professional."

She continued: “The Batavia City Court judge fills a crucial role in this community; a role that balances the constitutional and legal rights of a defendant against safety and justice for crime victims and the community as a whole… Judge Rogers’ decades of experience as a defense attorney, prosecutor, corporate counsel, and Judge have equipped him to excel in this position. It is with that in mind that I endorse Judge Durin Rogers for full-time city court judge.” 

Davis commended Rogers’ efforts in working with Family Court Judge Eric Adams in bringing the S.T.A.R. Program to Genesee County. He also praised Rogers’ ongoing support of the program since its inception as reasons for his endorsement.

“In my dealings with Judge Rogers…his knowledge of family matters within the court system has proved beneficial and supportive to the Genesee County S.T.A.R Program’s success,” Davis said. “I have personally learned and benefited from Judge Rogers’ knowledge of the law and his extraordinary ability to deal with and relate to ALL individuals

"We fully endorse his candidacy…I have no doubt that [Rogers] will be welcomed as your Batavia City Court judge and will serve the legal system and the City of Batavia with integrity and honor.” 

Rogers said “I have truly enjoyed working with Theresa and Captain Davis over the years. They are true professionals and have devoted their careers to protecting and assisting children in our community. I am proud to work with them and have their support and endorsement.”

Photo below: Captain James Davis of the S.T.A.R Program, part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers, and Sgt. Robert Ettinger, S.T.A.R Program.

GC Sheriff's Employees Association endorses Durin Rogers for full-time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The association representing Genesee County’s Corrections officers and other Sheriff’s employees has enthusiastically endorsed Durin Rogers (inset photo right) to become Batavia’s next full-time city court judge.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Employees Association (GCSEA) President Kevin Wolff cited several reasons supporting the decision to endorse Rogers, who is currently a part-time Batavia City Court judge.

“Judge Rogers’ enthusiasm and dedication to the bench, his family and our community is evident,” Wolff said. “[He] has extensive experience on the bench handling thousands of cases as a Batavia City Court Judge and has a proven track record.

"Judge Rogers’ multifaceted experience and steadfast integrity make him the obvious choice to be the next full-time city court judge.

"...Our endorsement also acknowledges Judge Rogers’ …ready availability to law enforcement day and night, seven days a week for after-hours arraignments and warrants…Judge Rogers is a shining example of what all citizens of Batavia should strive to be.”

The endorsements Rogers’ has received have caught the attention of many local Republicans according to local attorney and City Republican Chair David Saleh.

“I’ve been contacted by many Republicans from Batavia and around the county who have been very impressed by the support Judge Rogers’ is receiving,” Saleh said.

“He’s been endorsed by an impressive group of people including our county sheriff, our commissioner of social services, the head of Genesee Justice, the Genesee County attorney, the president of our city council and now the association representing so many of the employees of our Sheriff’s (Office).

"This all shows that Judge Rogers has proven himself as a fantastic lawyer and judge and he is the only candidate who can complete the full 10-year term. He has definitely earned the support of Batavia’s Republicans as our endorsed Republican candidate for the upcoming June 25th primary.”

GC Sheriff's Employees Association endorses Durin Rogers for full-time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The association representing Genesee County’s Corrections officers and other Sheriff’s employees has enthusiastically endorsed Durin Rogers (inset photo right) to become Batavia’s next full-time city court judge.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Employees Association (GCSEA) President Kevin Wolff cited several reasons supporting the decision to endorse Rogers.

“Judge Rogers’ enthusiasm and dedication to the bench, his family and our community is evident,” Wolff said. “[He] has extensive experience on the bench handling thousands of cases as a Batavia City Court Judge and has a proven track record. Judge Rogers’ multifaceted experience and steadfast integrity make him the obvious choice to be the next full-time city court judge.

"...Our endorsement also acknowledges Judge Rogers’ …ready availability to law enforcement day and night, seven days a week for after-hours arraignments and warrants…Judge Rogers is a shining example of what all citizens of Batavia should strive to be.”

The endorsements Rogers’ has received have caught the attention of many local Republicans according to local attorney and City Republican Chair David Saleh.

“I’ve been contacted by many Republicans from Batavia and around the county who have been very impressed by the support Judge Rogers’ is receiving,” Saleh said.

“He’s been endorsed by an impressive group of people including our county sheriff, our commissioner of social services, the head of Genesee Justice, the Genesee County attorney, the president of our city council and now the association representing so many of the employees of our Sheriff’s (Office).

"This all shows that Judge Rogers has proven himself as a fantastic lawyer and judge and he is the only candidate who can complete the full 10-year term. He has definitely earned the support of Batavia’s Republicans as our endorsed Republican candidate for the upcoming June 25thprimary.”

Full-time city court judge candidate Rogers gets two new endorsements

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Stressing his superior skills and experience, current Genesee Justice coordinator Catherine Uhly and her predecessor Ed Minardo have added their names to the impressive and growing list of officials who have endorsed part-time City Court Judge Durin Rogers in his effort to become Batavia’s next full-time Judge.

Genesee Justice is the arm of Genesee County government that works with our local courts, police and others, providing programs serving victims as well as defendants in criminal cases throughout the County.  

“Judge Rogers is a fair, balanced and unbiased judge with high ethical standards” Uhly said. "He has a proven track record of holding offenders accountable through the use of alternative-to-incarceration programs as Community Service or our Release Under Supervision (RUS) pretrial release program…while also displaying sound judgment if a defendant’s risk assessments are too high to warrant release from custody.” 

Commenting on Judge Rogers’ work helping to establish the Genesee County Youth Court, Minardo said, “Judge Rogers has been a strong advocate for youth participation in the legal system.” Minardo noted Rogers’ focus on defendant accountability when he said “Judge Rogers sought accountability by including expectations that individuals address their personal shortcomings to avert continued harmful behavior.”

As to Rogers’ unique experience working with families in distress, Minardo stated “Judge Rogers’ 20-plus years as a juvenile prosecutor…has provided him with a unique perspective on the impact that child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence has on individuals and families…He will be an excellent judicial steward if elected."

For further information, please contact the Committee to Elect Judge Rogers by email at electjuderogers@gmail.com

Gary Maha and William Sheron endorse candidate Durin Rogers for full-time Batavia City Court judge post

By Billie Owens

Photo, from left: Legislator Gary Maha, candidate and part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers, and Sheriff William Sheron.

Submitted photo and press release:

Durin Rogers, currently a part-time judge for Batavia City Court, has received the endorsements of Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron and former Sheriff and current County Legislator Gary Maha for the full-time City Court judge position that is up for election this year.

In his endorsement letter, Sheriff Sheron said Rogers’ dedication and professionalism were key factors in his decision.

“He [Rogers] is a true professional who is extremely dedicated to his family and our community,” Sheron said. “(He) is readily available all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays to fulfill his responsibilities as City Court Judge. He carries out his duties in a fair, impartial, unbiased and ethical manner.”

In closing, Sheron wrote: “[I] have the highest regard for Durin B. Rogers and can assure you he will continue to be an outstanding Batavia City Court Judge. Please join me in supporting Durin B. Rogers for City of Batavia City Court Judge,”

Legislator Maha cited Rogers’ dedication and compassion in his endorsement, noting that Rogers works closely with those involved in the criminal justice system as part-time City Court Judge.

“He is a very dedicated person who acts fairly, objectively and with compassion when adjudicating cases that come before him,” Maha said. “Durin has the experience and temperament to make an excellent full-time City Court judge. I fully endorse his candidacy.”

Rogers has served as the part-time Batavia City Court Judge for more than four years, having been appointed unanimously by Batavia City Council in 2015 and has been a practicing lawyer in Batavia and Genesee County for nearly 25 years.

During his past four years on the bench, Rogers has handled thousands of cases within the court's jurisdiction including civil, criminal, small claims, housing code violations and even matters in the drug court, mental health court and veterans court.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the support of such fine public officials as Bill Sheron and Gary Maha,” Rogers said. “I believe these endorsements will carry tremendous weight with our local community and I am grateful to Sheriff Sheron and Legislator Maha for their kind words.

“I am committed to living up to the standard these endorsements set for the future and if elected as City Court judge, I promise to do my very best to live up to the standards that people like Sheriff Sheron, Legislator Maha and the rest of this great community will expect of me as City Court judge.”

Rogers lives with his wife, Paula, and their four children in the City of Batavia. His family has been longtime residents of the City and are proud to call Batavia their home.

Rogers is committed to the community and has volunteered his time to assist youth sports, mock trial, United Way, GCBA and many other civic boards.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law; he received his Juris Doctor legal degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland.

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