By Eric L. Reimann,
Grand Island Town Justice (retired) November 3, 2005 . . .
TO ALL GRAND ISLANDERS:
For those of you who do not know me, I am a retired Grand Island Town Justice, having proudly served on the Town Court for 28 years (1973- 2001). During that time, I had the opportunity to observe and listen to cases presented by and tried by Mark Frentzel. Based on my experiences as both an attorney and judge, I firmly believe that Mark has the necessary experience, knowledge and integrity to be our next Grand Island Town Justice.
I support Mark because I have had the unique opportunity to observe him trying criminal and civil cases in our Town Court on a regular basis for 20 years. Mark is well respected in our Town Court as well as in the Grand Island Community. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support Mark Frentzel in his campaign to become our next Town Justice.
On Election Day, November 8, 2005, I urge all Grand Islanders to elect Mark Frentzel as our next Town Justice.
Sincerely,
ERIC L. REIMANN
Grand Island Town Justice (retired)
November 3, 2005 . . .
As this 7-month odyssey comes to an end on Tuesday, I wish to thank my friends, neighbors and clients for their tremendous support. As with any campaign, it can only be successfully run with the help and support of your family. To my wife Pattie, her energy and dedication is insurmountable. For my children, Lee, John and Justin, don’t worry, in a few days you’ll get your old Dad back for dinner and all the special events.
Also, I wish to thank the 3,000 citizens of Grand Island who, regardless of their political affiliations, were kind enough to open their doors and listen to me during my door-to-door campaign. I can think of no other community where people would be so friendly and kind. We truly live in a special community. And as your next Town Justice, I pledge to keep this community special and safe for everyone.
Sincerely,
Mark J. Frentzel
Tips for Halloween Safety
by Mark J. Frentzel, Town Justice Candidate
October 27, 2005 . . .
At this time of year, the excitement of Halloween can make children and parents forget basic safety tips. Simple common sense can go a long way to prevent unnecessary problems or tragedies. Please review these safety tips to make the most of Halloween this year.
Halloween Costumes:
• Try to encourage children to wear costumes that are bright and reflective. Look at all garment labels to be sure that the costumes and accessories are flame resistant. Make sure that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
• Masks limit or block eyesight, non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup and decorative hats are a safer alternative. Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Include emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside the costume or on a bracelet.
• If using simulated knives, guns or swords, be certain they do not appear too authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Make sure all flashlights have fresh batteries.
Smart things to consider before trick or treating:
• Prepare a full meal for the kids before trick or treating. Children will be less likely to eat (all) the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Before leaving the house, remind the children to:
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate to each other and with the adult where they are going.
• Trick-or-treat in known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk; don’t cut across lawns.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Never eat unwrapped food items or open beverages. Tampering is rare, but every child should bring candy home to be inspected before eating anything.
Older children going out without adult supervision should:
• Know where to reach parents and when to be home.
• Plan the route with your parents before going out, and make sure you follow it so your parents know where you are.
• Never bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
• Make sure the cell phone is charged.
Pets Need to be Safe Too!
Keep all dogs and cats safe in the house on the evening of Halloween, scary costumes and noises can cause animals undue stress. If your pet must be outside, be sure that they are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Chocolate may be fatal to a dog, make sure all candy is put away at the end of the night.
Hopefully, by following these basic safety tips you and your little goblins will have an exciting and safe Halloween.
MARK J. FRENTZEL CANDIDATE FOR GRAND ISLAND TOWN JUSTICE
VOTERS NOMINATE FRENTZEL
October 20, 2005 . . .
On Primary Day, you, the VOTERS of Grand Island, nominated me as your candidate on 4 out of 5 ballot lines. Because of your support and faith in what I stand for, I will be on the Republican, Independence, Conservative and Working Families lines in November. The endorsed Democratic candidate was unsuccessful in securing his Democratic line, which was taken away from him by my opponent. Because of this, there is no Democrat on the Democratic line in the Grand Island Town Justice election; my opponent and I are both registered Republicans. Now, the Grand Island Democrats must decide between two registered Republicans on the Democratic line.
I believe that I have earned the trust and respect of ALL GRAND ISLANDERS. This comes from being a true Grand Island attorney for 20 years, and an active participant in our Grand Island Community. This trust and respect coupled with 10 years of Police experience makes me uniquely qualified to be our next Town Justice.
My pledge to you:
In My Courtroom I will:
• Treat everyone with respect & civility
• Judge every case both fairly and impartially
• Decide cases in a prompt and timely fashion
• Strive to reduce the time people wait in court
• Encourage individuals to resolve their civil disputes
• Never let politics enter our courtroom
• Institute a program, which would periodically ask all citizens, lawyers, witnesses and litigants, when exiting the court building, to voluntarily, anonymously and confidentially fill out a survey as to their experience in my courtroom
In the Community I will:
• Continue to mentor Grand Island H.S. students
• Speak to all Grand Island residents in the Schools, Youth Groups, Church Groups, Community Organization and Senior Centers
• Remain active in all aspects of life that Grand Island has to offer, church, community, youth programs and sports
• Listen to all citizens for new ideas on how to improve our court
· Schedule forums at our courthouse, in an “Open Town Court” format
Court Programs
To Enhance our Domestic Violence Program I will:
• Take quick action and closely monitor abusers, which will increase confidence in our Town Court
• Reduce the number of appearances with an eye toward speedier dispositions of cases
• Strive to eliminate unnecessary adjournments and set shorter adjournment dates
• Hold the abuser accountable
• Seek to establish a policy that appoints only attorneys who can demonstrate that they have received adequate domestic violence training
• Establish a court, which will ensure the safety and confidentiality of Domestic Violence Victims
• Make available all the resources necessary for victims and families to end the cycle of violence
To Enhance Our Drug Court I will:
• Intervene with criminal offenders who are convicted of purchasing or possessing controlled substances
• Foster a Town Court which will break the cycle of addiction and criminal conduct in our community through a variety of individualized treatment services including abstinence, improved life management skills, improved interpersonal relationships, and involvement in community support groups
• Strive to ensure the safety of our children and community, and when necessary, employ the use of In-Patient Alcoholism treatment programs, incapacitating sanctions such as ignition locks, vehicle forfeiture or incarceration
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS
• 20 Years Practicing Grand Island Attorney
• 20 Years Grand Island Town Court
• 20 Years Serving the Legal Needs of ALL Grand Island Residents
• 20 Years Grand Island Community Involvement
• 20 Years representing individuals unable to afford legal counsel
• 10 Years Police Officer Experience
KEEP POLITICS OUT OF THE COURTHOUSE
• I have never been a paid elected politician in Niagara County or anywhere else
• I have never run for a paid political position
• I am not seeking political contributions
• I owe no political favors to anyone
POLITICS WILL NEVER BE A PART OF MY COURTROOM
On November 8th VOTE FOR HONESTLY INTEGRITY SINCERITY
Again, I wish to thank all Grand Islanders for their tremendous support,
MARK J. FRENTZEL, candidate for GRAND ISLAND TOWN JUSTICE
Mark J. Frentzel Town Justice Candidate - IMPARTIALITY, INTEGRITY, JUDICIAL TEMPERAMENT - 2005 By Mark J. Frentzel October 13, 2005 . . .
Town Justice Courts have a wide range, but limited jurisdiction in deciding cases that affect a local community. It is said that town courts are, “the courts closest to the people”. Like the court television show, Town Courts are truly “The People’s Court.”
As an attorney on Grand Island for the past 20 years, I take pride in the fact that I am a “People’s Lawyer.” What does this mean? A “People’s Lawyer” is an attorney who concentrates his practice on representing individuals and has daily interaction with them.
As this type of attorney, I have learned a great deal about people, their concerns and their problems. My clients have ranged from the 13-year-old boy in Family Court to the 75-year-old woman concerned about the Medicaid lien. This wide range of representation has given me tremendous insight not only of individuals but our Grand Island community as well. Please allow me the opportunity to use this knowledge and experience to serve our Grand Island Community as your next Town Justice.
As an attorney, I strive to be accessible to my clients. I find it interesting that many attorneys will not list their home telephone number in any phone book, because they don’t want to be bothered at home. I have always listed my home number, so when a client needs my assistance, I will be available. If elected Grand Island Town Justice, I promise to be just as accessible to the citizens of Grand Island. I will continue to reach out to all members of our community including youth groups, schools, seniors, businesses and charitable organizations.
I look forward to working with Justice Sybil Kennedy in keeping our Town Court the best in New York.
REMEMBER : IMPARTIALITY, INTEGRITY, JUDICIAL TEMPERAMENT
The Things Your Mother Never Told You About Speeding Tickets - 2005 By Mark J. Frentzel October 6, 2005 . . . Over the course of almost 30 years in town courts throughout Western New York, both as a police officer and as an attorney, I have had the unique experience of seeing first hand how speeding tickets are negotiated and pled.
In New York, a speed of 1-10 mph over the posted speed limit is a 3-point moving violation, 11-20 mph over is a 4-point moving violation, and 21-30 mph over is a 6-point moving violation. If you receive more than 11 points or more in an 18-month period, DMV may suspend your license. Three (3) speeding convictions in an 18-month period results in an automatic revocation. It is because of these penalties that it may be advisable for a driver to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge rather than simply mailing in a guilty plea.
Many town courts will accept a reduction from a speeding ticket to a minor traffic violation provided the driver has a clean driving record. Courts are free to establish their own policies when accepting these reduced pleas. By law, a few city courts (for example, Buffalo) cannot offer any plea reduction. It’s either a trial or a guilty plea. Some courts will only reduce the amount of the speed, thereby reducing the points. Many courts have a policy of reducing speeding tickets to a 2-point moving violation. There are some town courts that allow speeding tickets to be reduced to non-moving violations, better known as the $100 parking ticket. Naturally, this reduction depends on the circumstances of the speed and the driving record of the operator.
Naturally, before accepting any pleas the court needs to know, if at the time of the offense, there existed any justifiable reason for the speed. Other factors, which may impact the likelihood of a reduction, are accidents and multiple tickets for other violations. I advise my clients to bring their driver’s abstract to court to help with the negotiation process.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse when it comes to speeding tickets. I know many drivers, who have simply mailed their guilty pleas into the court and paid the fine, only to realize several months later that their insurance carrier raised their premium by 10 to 20 percent or, even worse, cancelled their policy. This can be especially devastating for the young or inexperienced driver.
Last year, the New York State legislature passed a law, which would have required a large portion of the fine money from speeding tickets, which were reduced to parking tickets, to be paid over to the state. The towns would only be allowed to retain a small portion of the fine money. Throughout the towns and villages across New York a collective howl arose. Many towns and villages had come to rely on this steady stream of fine revenue from parking tickets, which was used to supplement the town budgets. In perhaps one of the fastest turnarounds in Albany, the law was changed back in a matter of months.
So keep in mind, you always have the opportunity to meet with the town prosecutor or officer to discuss a possible plea reduction.
Mark J. Frentzel is the Republican, Independent, Conservative, and
Working Families endorsed candidate for Town Justice.
Mark Frentzel Announces Plan To Reduce Crimes Against Senior Citizens - 2005 By Mark J. Frentzel September 20, 2005 . . . Mark Frentzel, candidate for Grand Island Town Justice, has recently announced his plan to reduce financial crimes against our senior citizens.
As a practicing Grand Island attorney for 20 years, Mark Frentzel states that he has seen a dramatic rise in the number of “scams” and “frauds” perpetrated against our senior citizens. “As the number of American’s reaching Social Security age increases so will these offenses. Seniors are targets for exploitation at the hands of a wide range of dishonest people, from sweepstakes promoters to televangelists.” Sometimes, unfortunately, the financial abuse of elders can occur at the hands of their own children and other relatives, through a Power of Attorney or deed transfer.
To address this problem, if elected Town Justice, Mark Frentzel, with the permission of the Golden Age Center and the various assisted living facilities on Grand Island, plans to go directly to the seniors to increase their awareness of these frauds.
“Seniors must be especially careful when sales people come to the door saying that they are offering a special in the neighborhood for a particular service.” Many times scam artists pose as contractors doing inspections and then charge outrageous fees to fix things that may not need to be fixed in the first place. Just because your neighbor needs new gutters doesn’t mean you do.
Telemarketing travel scams are another favorite for the scam artist. Slick salespeople with years of experience selling questionable goods and services, pitch travel packages that may sound legitimate, but often are not. These pitches involve oral misrepresentations by making promises that are too good to be true. Unfortunately, you won't know it until your money's gone. Also, beware of the High Pressure/Time Pressure Tactics. Scam Telemarketers often say they need your credit card number to buy immediately or that the offer won't be available much longer. Don’t be taken. If the deal is that good it will still be available tomorrow.
Check out the company before you buy. Contact the New York State Attorney General or where the company is located to see if any complaints have been lodged against the firm. Be aware that fraudulent businesses often change their names to avoid detection.
Get all information in writing before you agree to buy. If the salesperson can't give you detailed answers, hang up. Once you receive the written information, make sure it reflects what you were told over the phone and the terms you agreed to.
Don't give your credit card number or bank information over the phone unless you know the company. One easy way for a scam operator to close a deal is to get your credit card number and charge your account. Sometimes fraudulent telemarketers say they need the number for verification purposes only. That is not true.
Be suspicious if the business asks you to send money by messenger or overnight mail. Some scam artists may ask you to send them a check or money order immediately. Many offer to send a messenger to pick up your payment. If you pay with cash or a check, rather than a credit card, you lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act. However, if you charged your trip to a credit card, you may dispute the charges by writing to your credit card issuer.
Recently, several telemarketers were sentenced to jail for charging seniors $30 to $100 for putting them on the National Do Not Call List, when the service is actually free. Remember knowledge is your best weapon against these individuals.
One of the newest rip-off schemes is scammers saying that they can help you recover your money if you have been already been scammed. Posing as a representative of the government, they will call you and ask for a special fee to help you recover your stolen money. It sounds real because they knew you were a victim. But the reason they knew you were scammed in the first place, is that they were probably the ones who scammed you and had your confidential information.
Always be on your guard and be suspicious of every company asking for money and you will be less likely to fall for the con artist’s schemes! A good rule of thumb for these situations is when in doubt; just say "no." Rely on your instincts.
As your next Town Justice, I promise to make every effort to keep our senior residents well informed of the “scams” and “frauds” which can cause them significant financial harm.
MARK J. FRENTZEL
Reflections on Running for Judicial Office - 2005 By Mark J. Frentzel September 8, 2005 . . .
On September 13th the residents of Grand Island will chose a judicial candidate to represent the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative and Working Families Parties. The winner in these primaries will advance to the General Election in November to represent these parties for Grand Island Town Justice.
I am proud to be the only candidate who has served Grand Island for over 20 years as a practicing attorney here on Grand Island. I have never had a paid political position in my entire life, or been a councilman or alderman. I have had only one office and that has been on Grand Island. I have worked everyday on Grand Island and have so since 1985. I have never had a law office downtown or a satellite office somewhere else. I have appeared in your Town court hundreds of times representing you, your children, your friends and neighbors. I like to think that I have done a good job for my clients at a reasonable price.
Why am I running? Well, I know I can make a difference in our community. Hopefully, as a judge I would be able to shape our court to reduce crime and prevent the incidents of repeat offenders. I believe myself to be a fair and levelheaded person. As I have said during my door-to-door campaign, “As a police officer I use to arrest people, as an attorney I represented people who were arrested. It is a unique perspective.” As a judge, I would be able to draw on both these experiences to fairly administer justice from the bench.
My practice is “laid back” but effective. Not a day goes by where a client or realtor doesn’t stop by just to check on a file or say hello. Above all I like to think that I am service orientated, I really do care about my clients. Almost all of my clients are referrals from other clients. Word of mouth advertising.
I am a general practitioner of law. That means I do a lot of different things, not just one specialized area of law. I do criminal work, vehicle and traffic case, small claims, landlord/tenant, matrimonial, family law, domestic violence, bankruptcy, real estate and personal injury. I am not a member of the Million Dollar Club.
I represent people, mainly Grand Islanders, not corporations. I have appeared in all Federal, State and local courts in Western New York. I have trial experience in all town courts throughout Western New York, just ask any local attorneys or town judges, most know me on a first name basis.
I know firsthand the needs of our community having lived here over 13 years and worked here for 20 years. I have served as a coach on my sons’ baseball teams, soccer teams and as a manager for my son’s hockey team. I have actively immersed myself into the Grand Island community. I participate in the town’s adult volleyball league in the winter and in the summer I play softball. I have even taken adult education classes at the Middle School.
I give of myself to the community. Every year I mentor a high school senior in my law office who has an interest in becoming a lawyer. I have fried fish at St. Stephen’s during lent and bartended during the lawn fete.
I have truly strived to run a dignified campaign. It’s difficult! Many times people have said, “Why don’t you respond.” “It’s time to take the gloves off.” “Go negative.” Well, that’s not me. I strongly believe in judicial ethics and personal integrity, when running a campaign. I will not succumb to the temptation.
I believe I have the experience, personal integrity and sound temperament to make an outstanding judge. This position takes me full circle; police officer, attorney, and judge.
I would be honored to become your next Grand Island Town Justice and continue to serve Grand Island and our residents.
Mark J. Frentzel Announces Candidacy for Town Justice - July 2005
Mark J. Frentzel has announced his intention to seek the office of Grand Island Town Justice. For 20 years Mark has served the legal needs of Grand Island residents, representing them in real estate transactions, small claims, traffic court and family and criminal matters. No stranger to the town courts, Mark has spent a considerable amount of his legal practice in town courts. "My town court experiences have given me invaluable insight into the procedures and workings of numerous town courts throughout Western New York. These experiences will allow me the opportunity to enhance our Grand Island Court.
For the first time ever, Grand Island will have an attorney who is not only a local practicing attorney but also a former law enforcement officer. "My 10 years of law enforcement experience coupled with my 20 years of legal experience gives me the unique ability to see our criminal justice system from both perspectives. This knowledge will allow me to fairly and effectively serve the residents of Grand Island."
As part of Mark's plan for town court, he is looking to enhance our current Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, Drug Court and a Domestic Violence Court. With looming county budget cuts, it is extremely important that we insure the success of these programs. "Too many times, I have seen repeat offenders in our town court. Many times these problems are fueled by alcohol and/or drug abuse. Hopefully, these programs will reduce the incidents of repeat offenders in our town court. An Alternative Dispute Resolution Program allows residents to resolve many of their legal problems in a forum where both sides could come together and amicably resolve their problems."
For over a decade Mark has been an active participant in the Grand Island High School Intern Program. As part of this volunteer program, Mark "takes in" a Grand Island High School student who has an interest in becoming an
attorney. The student learns the inner workings of an active law
practice
as well as attending court proceedings. "The experiences are invaluable to the student, many of my interns have gone on to law school." Also, for 20 years Mark has been a member of the Assigned Counsel Program, this program provides legal services for those who cannot afford legal representation.
In an effort to ensure impartiality and judicial integrity, and in keeping with an almost 30-year Grand Island tradition, Mark will not seek campaign contributions. "I feel it's extremely important that judicial candidates maintain a high level of judicial impartiality, independence and integrity. Clearly, by not soliciting campaign contributions from Grand Island residents, the high values established by our former and current Grand Island justices will continue."
One final point, "I wish thank Judge Randall White for his last 4 years of service, it's not often that a town court has the fortune of having a Harvard lawyer as a town justice. I know it must have been a difficult decision for
him not to seek re-election. I wish him and his family the very best."
Look for Mark's name on the Republican, Democratic, Conservative, Independence and Working Families line this September 13th.
Mark resides with his wife, Pattie, and three children, Lee Richard, John and Justin.
