Rossi, A Justice All Islanders Will Be Proud To Support Regardless Of Political Affiliation - 2005 November 3, 2005 . . .
VOTE ROSSI ON LINE 10B
On November 8th, I ask you to put your political affiliation aside when choosing your next Town Justice. You owe it to yourself and to your children to make the right choice. Look at the candidates carefully. Choose your candidate wisely. If you have any questions about me or what I stand for, please take the time to scroll down this page and read about my programs and plans. I am confident that as an informed voter, you will make the right choice.
Whether you are a Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative, Working Families, or unaffiliated voter, I ask you to consider voting for me on Line 10B. Your vote is very important to me and I would be honored to receive it. I pledge to you that I will be a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation. With your help, I can and I will make a difference, for you and for your children. I thank you and my family thanks you for your vote, your support and for the kindness you have shown to us over the past six months.
“ROSSI, THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU
AND FOR YOUR CHILDREN”
VOTE LINE 10B
ON NOVEMBER 8TH ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY
ROSSI
TOWN JUSTICE
Top 10 List Reasons To Elect Rossi Town Justice
November 3, 2005 . . .
10. When others fought to knock him off the ballot before the primary election he fought back to give you, the voters, a choice.
9. He has represented Grand Island residents for 24 years and knows first hand the family values and concerns of our community.
8. He is a respected community leader who has served as Bar Association President, Chamber of Commerce President, and is currently serving as Chairman of the Grand Island Board of Ethics.
7. He is a true independent candidate, free from political influence, free from political activities and free from political contributions.
6. He is running because he can and will make a difference, not because he wants to build a political power base or further a political career for himself or a family member.
5. He will be an active, visible, and accessible Town Justice who will give a full-time commitment to a part-time position.
4. He is committed to our safety and has proposed a plan to make Grand Island the 1st Justice Court in NY with a separate Domestic Violence Part.
3. He is committed to our youth and has a plan to take the courtroom into our schools by spending time each week talking to our children about the law, our court system, and the consequences of their actions.
2. He has no family members working at Town Hall or for the Town of Grand Island.
1. He can finally park that motor home back in the driveway!
VOTE LINE 10B
ON NOVEMBER 8TH ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI TOWN JUSTICE
Rossi Is The Right Choice For You And For Your Children - 2005 ROSSI IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU AND FOR YOUR CHILDREN
(Click photo for larger view) October 27, 2005 . . . As our next Town Justice, I intend to do more than simply sit on the bench every two weeks and collect a paycheck. I am not running for this position to build a political power base or to further a political career for myself or a family member. I am running for one simple reason. I can and I will make a difference!
I have dedicated my life to my family and my community. My wife, Mena, and I are fortunate to have four children who have made us proud parents over the past 22 years. Part of our success in raising our children is due to the community we live in and the education and activities offered by the Grand Island School System. We have truly been blessed.
When you receive from a community, I believe it is important and my responsibility to give something back. As an involved parent and community leader, I have gone into classrooms and talked with students about the law. I have appeared before community groups and service organizations to inform the public of legal issues and open a dialogue to improve community awareness of our judicial system. I made that commitment over 24 years ago and it is my hope to continue that commitment long into the future.
Rather than sit back and make this election a popularity contest, I have tried to present a campaign filled with important issues, programs, and commitments. While some would say imitation is a form of flattery, when someone takes my ideas, pledges, and slogans, and tries to make them his or her own, it may also represent a lack of vision or commitment.
I am proud to be the candidate this year who first pledged to be a visible, active, and accessible Town Justice working throughout our community to improve the administration of justice any way I can. I made a commitment to meet will all groups on a regular basis including students, teachers, community leaders, church groups and senior citizens. As a sitting judge, I would view this as my responsibility. The position of Town Justice may be part-time but the position requires and deserves someone who will devote a full-time commitment to all Grand Island residents.
When I announced my candidacy for Town Justice, I was proud to be the first candidate this year to set forth a plan to take the Courtroom into the schools. Over the past 24 years, I have represented young people in all types of legal matters. I am convinced that many kids do not understand the consequences of their actions or that a criminal conviction will stay with them for the rest of their lives. To address this problem, if elected Town Justice, I intend to go directly into the schools to open the lines of communication with our youth. As a sitting judge, I pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per week in our schools talking to our children about the penalties for breaking the law, the consequences of their actions, respect for the law and our community, our Court and the criminal justice system, and the unpleasant experience of appearing in a criminal courtroom. If we take the time to talk and listen to our children, they will make good decisions. As your Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will take the time to help educate our children to make the right choices resulting in a safer community for all Grand Island residents. Together, we will make this happen.
Shortly thereafter, I announced my plan to make our Justice Court the first Justice Court in New York State with a separate Domestic Violence Part. We need to handle these cases in a very different way to protect the victims of domestic violence and make sure that the likelihood of a repeat offense is limited and hopefully eliminated. The residents of Grand Island deserve nothing less. I intend to work hand in hand with our sitting Judge, Justice Kennedy, to make this and other improvements to our court a reality. As a community leader, I firmly believe that we should never be satisfied. There is always something to be accomplished, always a better way of doing things, always room for improvement. In examining our Town Justice Court, I will make suggestions and seek improvements to insure that our court runs smoothly, efficiently and cost effectively.
One of my very first pledges to you, the voters, was to NEVER allow politics to enter the courtroom. For the past 18 years, the only political activity I have engaged is my right to vote. As a practicing attorney with 24 years of courtroom experience, it has long been my belief that judges should be selected on the basis of their experience and qualifications, NOT their political party activities. All too often the party bosses select the most active committeeman or the person most loyal to the political party’s cause. I have run my campaign free of political influence or ties to any political party. You, the voters, have given me the opportunity to enter this race and for that, I am grateful. I have had to fight every step of the way to give you a choice. One of the very first obstacles I had to overcome was the attempt by the political machine to knock me off the ballot before the primary election. I find it most ironic that those involved in this attempt are now echoing my pledge to “keep politics out of the courtroom”.
On November 8th, I ask you to put your political affiliation aside. You owe it to yourself and to your children to make the right choice. Look at the candidates carefully. Choose your candidate wisely. Whether you are a Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative, Working Families, or unaffiliated voter, I ask you to consider voting for me on Line 10B. Your vote is very important to me and I would be honored to receive it. I pledge to you that I will be a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation. With your help, I can and I will make a difference, for you and for your children. Thank you.
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
“ROSSI, THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU AND
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN”
ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005, VOTE LINE 10B
ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI TOWN JUSTICE
Rossi Cites Experience, Commitment, And Values As Keys To Town Justice Race - 2005
(Click photo for larger view)
"BRINGING FAMILY VALUES TO WORK EACH DAY" October 13, 2005 . . . On November 8th, you will have the opportunity to elect Grand Island’s next Town Justice. As a practicing attorney for the past 24 years, I have stood before judges and juries in local, state, and federal courts throughout New York State. My work in local Justice Courts throughout Western New York has provided me with the insight and working knowledge of how to make our local court run smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. I am committed to making our court the best Town Justice Court in New York State by working hand in hand with our sitting Town Justice, Hon. Sybil E. Kennedy.
My roots on Grand Island are strong. In 1987, I formed the firm of Robinson & Rossi with former Grand Island Town Justice, Richard O. Robinson. Having an office on Grand Island for the past 18 years, I have come to know first hand the family values and concerns of our community. I have built my law practice on hard work, trust, honesty, and integrity. I will bring those values and character traits to our local court as Grand Island’s next Town Justice.
The position of Grand Island Town Justice may be part-time but the position requires and deserves someone who will devote a full-time commitment to all Grand Island residents. I pledge to you that if given the opportunity, I will demonstrate and deliver the following:
• COMMITMENT TO EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCEY BY RELYING ON 24 YEARS OF COURTROOM EXPERIENCE;
• COMMITMENT TO GRAND ISLAND’S YOUTH WITH A PLAN TO INITIATE AN ACTIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM WITH OUR SCHOOLS AND A PLEDGE TO TALK TO OUR STUDENTS ON A WEEKLY BASIS;
• COMMITMENT TO GRAND ISLAND’S SAFETY WITH A PLAN TO MAKE OUR JUSTICE COURT THE 1ST JUSTICE COURT IN NY STATE WITH A SEPARATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PART;
• COMMITMENT TO A STRICT APPLICATION OF THE LAW WHEN DEALING WITH DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED AND OTHER ALCOHOL AND DRUG RELATED CRIMES;
• COMMITMENT TO BEING AN ACTIVE, VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TOWN JUSTICE MEETING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS INCLUDING STUDENTS, TEACHERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, SERVICE CLUBS, CHURCH GROUPS, AND SENIOR CITIZENS;
• COMMITMENT TO HANDLING ALL CASES WITH COMPETENCE, INTEGRITY, AND FAIRNESS;
• COMMITMENT TO ALL RESIDENTS OF GRAND ISLAND TO NEVER ALLOW POLITICS TO ENTER THE COURTROOM!
Grand Island has been good to me and my family and I feel the need to give something back to this “grand” community. It would be an honor and privilege for me to serve as your next Town Justice. I am committed to becoming a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation. Whether you are a registered Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Independent, Working Families, or Unaffiliated voter, I ask you to give me that opportunity by voting for me on Election Day, November 8, 2005. Thank You.
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
“BRINGING FAMILY VALUES TO WORK EACH DAY”
Rossi Pledges Strict Application Of The Law When Dealing With DWI Offenses - 2005 "YOUR SAFETY IS MY CONCERN" October 6, 2005 . . . As Grand Island’s next Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will firmly, fairly and strictly apply the law as it relates to alcohol related traffic offenses committed on Grand Island. As a cross over community with a major interstate highway cutting right through our town, we have a substantial number of vehicles passing through our community. Situated between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, we are the main link between Erie County and Niagara County. With a major tourist attraction to our north, and the State’s second largest city to our south, the increased traffic pattern and flow exposes us each and every day to the dangers and hazards posed by drunk drivers. One person operating a motor vehicle while drunk on our roadways is one person too many!
How many times do we hear about the drunk driver who kills the innocent victim in a horrific car crash - someone’s wife or husband, mother or father, son or daughter?. How many times do we hear about the drunk driver who has multiple DWI arrests or convictions? As a husband and father of four, every minute of every day my wife and children are out on the road, traveling to and from school, work, or play, I think about their safety and pray for their safe return home. Make no mistake about it; Driving While Intoxicated is a crime that poses the risk of death to each and every one of us and the risk of death to each and every member of our families.
Alcohol related traffic offenses require a firm, fair and strict application of the law. No one person can eliminate this problem. However, as your Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will fulfill my role in administering justice to anyone convicted in our court of committing an alcohol related traffic offense. I will apply the law as it is written and utilize programs, counseling services and sentencing measures to insure that the chance of a repeat offense is reduced or eliminated.
A judge is often limited by the letter of the law. While a judge is obligated to follow and apply the law, it is always insightful to have an open dialogue with others on ways to improve and enhance the way we deal with cases. I have stated many times that I intend to be an active, visible, and very accessible Town Justice. I will be out in the community talking about the problem of DWI to anyone willing to listen. Whether it be talking to prosecutors, police officers, defense attorneys, lawmakers, students, teachers, business leaders, community groups, or the families of the victims left behind, I will lend my ear and share my experiences to help reduce and hopefully eliminate the dangers and hazards posed to all Grand Island residents by the crime of Driving While Intoxicated. Your safety is my concern!
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
“YOUR SAFETY IS MY CONCERN”
ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005, ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI TOWN JUSTICE
Rossi Vows To Preserve And Foster Public Trust And Confidence As Grand Island Town Justice - 2005 September 29, 2005 . . . Unfortunately, wearing a robe or pounding a gavel does not guarantee public trust and confidence in our court system. Public trust and confidence is essential in the fair and effective administration of justice. There is no doubt that the public often has skepticism about courts, judges, and lawyers in general who are often portrayed in a negative light in the press, by the media, and on television. As our next Town Justice I pledge to you that I will take all steps and measures to preserve and foster public trust and confidence in our Grand Island Justice Court.
There can be little doubt that the public’s mistrust in the courts and those who work within them is in part based on a lack of knowledge about our real-life role and function of what we do as judges, lawyers, and court staff on a day to day basis. The public also has little appreciation of the true day to day significance of our courts in their lives. As a sitting judge, I will make it my responsibility to address each segment of our community to insure that the trust and confidence that is so essential is maintained at the highest levels.
How do we accomplish this goal? First and foremost, I will be a very visible and accessible Town Justice. Starting in our schools and continuing with our youth groups, service clubs, business organizations, and church groups, and moving on to our senior citizen organizations, groups, and clubs, I will donate my time, energy, and knowledge of the law to insure that all members of our community, young, old, and everywhere in between, have a working knowledge and understanding of who we are, what we do, and how our court system, and the Grand Island Justice Court, in particular, effects their daily lives.
Together and with your help, we can accomplish great things. I am very much looking forward to being our next Town Justice. Thank you.
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
“ROSSI, GIVING FULL-TIME COMMITMENT TO A PART-TIME POSITION”
ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005, ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI TOWN JUSTICE
ROSSI PLEDGES FULL-TIME COMMITMENT TO PART-TIME TOWN JUSTICE POSITION - 2005 September 22, 2005 . . . If we limit the scope of the administration of justice simply to the Courtroom we short change ourselves. As a sitting judge, I intend to do more than simply sit on the bench every two weeks and try to close out cases. For the past 24 years I have gone into classrooms and talked with students about the law. I have appeared before community groups and service organizations to inform the public of legal issues and open a dialogue to improve community awareness of our judicial system. I will be a very visible Town Justice working throughout our community to improve the administration of justice any way I can. The position of Town Justice may be part-time but the position requires and deserves someone who will devote a full-time commitment to all Grand Island residents.
One example is my plan to take the Courtroom into the schools. Over the past 24 years, I have represented young people in all types of legal matters. I am convinced that many kids do not understand the consequences of their actions or that a criminal conviction will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
To address this problem, if elected Town Justice, I intend to go directly into the schools to open the lines of communication with our youth. As a sitting judge, I pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per week in our schools talking to our children about the penalties for breaking the law, the consequences of their actions, respect for the law and our community, our Court and the criminal justice system, and the unpleasant experience of appearing in a criminal courtroom. If we take the time to talk and listen to our children, they will make good decisions.
My plan is to address all students on a regular basis from grades K through 12. My plan also includes regular visits for students to the Courthouse to allow the students to experience first hand how our court system works. As your Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will take the time to help educate our children to make the right choices resulting in a safer community for all Grand Island residents. Together, we will make this happen.
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
“ROSSI, THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU AND
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN”
ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005, ELECT
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI TOWN JUSTICE
Rossi Thanks Voters - 2005 September 15, 2005 . . . Thank you to all the voters who took the time to show their support for my election on Primary Day. Thanks to you, we secured a major party line and are waiting for the results on the Independence and Conservative lines. These lines will remain undecided until the absentee ballots are counted next week.
When we entered this race, no one gave us a chance. We challenged five political machines and one candidate with four party endorsements and another candidate with the remaining party endorsement. With no party support or help and with no party endorsements, we convincingly won the Democratic Primary and were very close in the Republican Primary. We actually beat the endorsed Republican candidate on the Republican line in several election districts.
The campaign for the November 8th election began at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday night. We will continue to deliver our message of change and outline our programs to take the courtroom into the schools, make Grand Island the first Justice Court in New York State with a separate Domestic Violence Part, and our commitment to never allow politics to enter the courtroom.
A special thank you to my wife, Mena, and our four children, Anthony, Nicholas, Kara, and Michele, for their tireless effort and commitment over the past three months. Thank you to our family members, friends, neighbors, clients, and those we have met along the campaign trail who have joined our cause. With their help and your support, we will succeed in our goal to become a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation.
We are very much looking forward to November!
MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
A Message From The Rossi Family... - 2005 September 8, 2005 . . .
SUPPORT. COMMITMENT. SACRIFICE.
Running a campaign for office is not an easy task. It takes support, commitment, and sacrifice from the entire family. However, when you are dedicated to a cause, you willingly lend that support, follow through with that commitment, and make that sacrifice of time and effort.
This has truly been a “grass roots” campaign totally dependent upon family, friends, neighbors and those dedicated to change. We extend our sincerest thank you to all who have assisted us over the past several months.
From our family to yours, we ask that you give Michael the opportunity to serve this community as our next Town Justice. Whether you are a Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative, or Working Families voter, we know that he will be a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation. On September 13th make your vote count by electing MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI Grand Island’s next Town Justice.
Warm regards,
THE ROSSI FAMILY
Rossi Cites Experience, Commitment, and Values As Keys To Town Justice Race - 2005 August 31, 2005 . . . On September 13th, you will have the opportunity elect Grand Island’s next Town Justice. As a practicing attorney for the past 24 years, I have stood before judges and juries in local, state, and federal courts throughout New York State. My work in local Justice Courts throughout Western New York has provided me with the insight and working knowledge of how to make our local court run smoothly and efficiently. I am committed to making our court the best Town Justice Court in New York State by working hand in hand with our sitting Town Justice, Hon. Sybil E. Kennedy.
My roots on Grand Island are strong. In 1987, I formed the firm of Robinson & Rossi with former Grand Island Town Justice, Richard O. Robinson. Having an office on Grand Island for the past 18 years, I have come to know first hand the family values and concerns of our community. I have built my law practice on hard work, trust, honesty, and integrity. I will bring those values and character traits to our local court as Grand Island’s next Town Justice.
The position of Grand Island Town Justice may be part-time but the position requires and deserves someone who will devote a full-time commitment to all Grand Island residents. I pledge to you that if given the opportunity, I will demonstrate and deliver the following:
• COMMITMENT TO EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY BY RELYING ON 24 YEARS OF COURTROOM EXPERIENCE;
• COMMITMENT TO GRAND ISLAND’S YOUTH WITH A PLAN TO INITIATE AN ACTIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM WITH OUR SCHOOLS AND A PLEDGE TO TALK TO OUR STUDENTS ON A WEEKLY BASIS;
• COMMITMENT TO GRAND ISLAND’S SAFETY WITH A PLAN TO MAKE OUR JUSTICE COURT THE 1ST JUSTICE COURT IN NY STATE WITH A SEPARATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PART;
• COMMITMENT TO HANDLING ALL CASES WITH COMPETENCE, INTEGRITY, AND FAIRNESS;
• COMMITMENT TO ALL RESIDENTS OF GRAND ISLAND TO NEVER ALLOW POLITICS TO ENTER THE COURTROOM!
Grand Island has been good to me and my family and I feel the need to give something back to this “grand” community. It would be an honor and privilege for me to serve as your next Town Justice. I am committed to becoming a Town Justice all Grand Islanders will be proud to support regardless of political affiliation. Whether you are a registered Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Independent or Working Families voter, I ask you to give me that opportunity by voting for me on Primary Day, September 13, 2005.
Thank you. MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI
Rossi Announces Plan To Make Grand Island First Justice Court In New York State With Domestic Violence Part - 2005 August 25, 2005 . . . MICHAEL ANTHONY ROSSI, candidate for Grand Island Justice Court, today announced his plan to create the first Town Justice Court in New York State with a separate Domestic Violence Part here on Grand Island. A separate Domestic Violence part would be dedicated to dealing with misdemeanor domestic violence crimes committed on Grand Island.
“We need to change the way Domestic Violence cases are handled to insure that victims are protected and repeat offenders are dealt with in a meaningful way. Victims of these crimes face complicated issues because they are usually dependent on the abuser financially and emotionally,” Rossi said. Rossi cited his 24 years of experience in the areas of matrimonial and family law as a foundation for dealing with these cases. “A victim of Domestic Violence deserves a judge who understands the complexities of the situation and is willing to take the power away from the abuser by imposing the Court’s control over the situation,” Rossi said.
“There are several city courts in the State and many County Courts that have Domestic Violence parts, but no Town Court has taken the lead on creating a separate part for Domestic Violence cases,” Rossi said. “We have come a long way from the days when domestic violence was not even considered a crime. Today, our upper level Courts deal with these cases in a very different way. The residents of Grand Island deserve nothing less and if I am elected Town Justice, I will do what I can to make sure our community takes the lead in handling these cases on a local level,” Rossi added.
Rossi pointed to the numerous advantages to a separate Domestic Violence part. They include a swift, certain and consistent response to domestic violence cases, victim safety and access to court information and counseling services, intense monitoring to ensure offender compliance with orders of protection, intense judicial supervision and defendant monitoring to ensure accountability by offenders.
Rossi is a Town Justice candidate in the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative and Working Families primary election on September 13, 2005.
Michael Anthony Rossi Announces Plan To Take Courtroom Into The Schools - 2005 August 16, 2005 . . . Michael Anthony Rossi, candidate for Grand Island Town Justice, today announced his plan to take the Courtroom into the schools. "Over the past 24 years, I have represented young people in all types of legal matters. I am convinced that many kids do not understand the consequences of their actions or that a criminal conviction will stay with them for the rest of their lives" Rossi said.
To address this problem, if elected Town Justice, Rossi intends to go directly into the schools to open the lines of communicatin with our youth. "As a sitting judge, I pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per week in our schools talking to our children about the penalties for breaking the law, the consequences of their actions, respect for the law and our community, our Court and the criminal justice system, and the unpleasant experience of appearing in a criminal courtroom" Rossi said. "If we take the time to talk and listen to our children, they will make good decisions. As your Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will take the time to help educate our children to make the right choices resulting in a safer community for all Grand Island residents" Rossi added.
Rossi's plan is to address all students on a regular basis from the grades K through 12. The plan also includes regular visits for students to the Courthouse to allow the students to experience first hand how our court system works. Rossi is a Town Justice candidate in the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative and Working Families primary election on September 13, 2005.
Michael Anthony Rossi, Candidate for Town Justice - 2005 July 14, 2005 . . . Michael Anthony Rossi, a local practicing attorney, has announced that he is a candidate for the office of Grand Island Town Justice. “I have spent the past 24 years standing before judges and juries in courtrooms throughout New York State. My extensive experience in local justice courts has provided me with the insight, competence, and knowledge of how to make our local court run smoothly and efficiently.”
Rossi first began practicing on Grand Island in 1987 when he merged his practice with former Grand Island Town Justice, Richard O. Robinson, to form the law firm of Robinson & Rossi. “Having an office on Grand Island for the past 18 years, I have come to know first hand the family values and concerns of our community. I have built my law practice on hard work, trust, honesty, and integrity. I will bring those values and character traits to your local court as your next Town Justice.”
“Too often, judicial candidates are hand picked by political committees based on their political party activities. Judges should be selected on experience and qualifications, not political party activities.” In order to maintain the highest level of independence and integrity, Rossi stressed that he will not accept any political contributions. “I am running for this office because I am uniquely qualified and I have the necessary working experience to be a Town Justice all Grand Islanders can be proud of, regardless of political affiliation. I have no political influence, I have no political ties, and no one in my family has a political job. I owe no political favors to anyone. There is simply no room for politics in the courtroom!”
Rossi cited his work with young people and youth groups over the past 25 years in his plan to take the courtroom into the schools. “I am convinced that many young people do not understand the consequences of their actions or that a criminal conviction will stay with them for life. As a sitting judge, I pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per week in our schools talking to our children about the penalties for breaking the law, respect for the law and our community, and the unpleasant experience of appearing in my courtroom. If we take the time to talk and listen to our children, they will make good decisions. As your Town Justice, I pledge to you that I will take the time to help educate our children to make the right choices resulting in a safer community for all Grand Island residents.”
Rossi also cited the need to expand the Island's local youth court and institute programs to deal with repeat offenders of alcohol and domestic abuse crimes. “Every election year you hear judicial candidates talk about the problems of alcohol abuse and domestic violence. I say it is not enough to simply talk about these problems. We must solve these problems. I pledge to you that in my courtroom, there will be no tolerance for repeat offenders of alcohol and domestic violence crimes, plain and simple!”
Rossi is a 1980 graduate of the SUNY at Buffalo School of Law and a 1977 magna cum laude graduate of Niagara University where he earned his B.A. degree. He is past president of the Bar Association and Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as chairman of the Grand Island Board of Ethics.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rossi has been and remains active in a variety of community activities. Over the past 20 years he has served on numerous boards and chaired many committees raising funds for a variety of charitable organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and funds used for the prevention of child abuse. He has shared his knowledge on a number of legal topics with others in the community so they can effectively deal with the legal issues they face. His speaking engagements include community groups, service clubs, and local schools.
“I would like to thank the over 1,200 Grand Island voters who signed my nominating petitions. Thanks to this overwhelming support, the voters have placed me on the ballot for the September 13th primaries on the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Working Families, and Conservative lines.”
“Grand Island has been good to me and my family and I feel the need to give something back to this ‘grand’ community. It would be an honor and privilege to serve as your next Town Justice and I ask that you give me that opportunity by voting for me on September 13th.”
Rossi resides on Fairview Court with his wife, Mena, and their four children, Anthony, Nicholas, Karalyn, and Michele.
Friday, August 5, 2005 . . .
Politics as usual rears its ugly head on Grand Island. As a result, I find it necessary to respond to the character assassination leveled against me by a very powerful political machine. I have been accused of making an “unethical” statement by claiming that the person, who personally filed objections to my nominating petitions, was attempting to “interfere with the election process and deprive the voters of a choice”.
The statement was based on the following facts:
1. On July 12, 2005, I filed nominating petitions to appear as a candidate in the September 13, 2005 primary election on the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Working Families, and Conservative lines. The number of signatures totaled 1,296, and represented more than double the minimum number needed for each line.
2. On July 15, 2005, MARK FRENTZEL personally filed objections to each of my five nominating petitions seeking to invalidate the petitions, thereby removing me from the September 13th primary election. This fact is confirmed by the official filing receipt records obtained from the Board of Elections which list MARK FRENTZEL as the filer of the objections. (Copies provided)
3. The sole objection raised to each of the five petitions had nothing whatsoever to do with the number of signatures but was a claim that the Public Office designation on the face of each petition sheet stated “Town Justice” and not “Town Justice, Grand Island”.
4. This objection, seeking to knock me out of the primary election on an insignificant technicality, was made even though my Grand Island address was stated clearly next to the Public Office designation and as a Grand Island resident, I am only qualified to be elected to the position of Grand Island Town Justice. Further, all 1,296 voters who signed my petitions were Grand Island residents with their addresses clearly stated on the face of each petition sheet. Grand Island residents are only qualified to nominate a candidate for Grand Island Town Justice.
5. The specific objection raised is addressed by New York State Election Law and cases decided by our Courts. The law in New York is clear and unequivocal, the town designation is not required when the candidate’s address is clearly stated and there could be no confusion as to the political office sought.
6. In defending myself against the objections filed and in an attempt to preserve my place on the ballot given to me by the voters of Grand Island, I provided copies of the controlling New York cases to the Erie County Board of Elections.
7. On July 27, 2005 a hearing was held and the Republican and Democratic Election Commissioners unanimously rejected the challenge to my petitions and specifically did so by citing the controlling case law that I submitted.
While one could expect such an attack by political committeemen and party chairmen, I find it most disturbing that the same attack against me was lodged by Republican Election Commissioner, Ralph Mohr who had access to all of the above facts. In his letter, Moore states, “Mr. Frentzel was not the person who brought the petition irregularities to the board’s attention”. That statement by Mr. Moore is not supported by the official records of the Board of Elections which list Mark Frentzel as the filer of the objections to my petitions. One would expect the Election Commissioner to check and verify his own records before making such and inaccurate statement. For that, I demand an apology.
Now that you know all the facts, you can decide for yourself. How can it possibly be claimed that the filer of the objections is not involved? Why would a candidate seek to invalidate a challenger’s petitions on a claim that has no basis in law or in fact? What was his motivation? What did he hope to accomplish? Did he want to eliminate the competition without having to face the voters? The only logical conclusion is that he wanted me out of the race thereby depriving the voters of a choice. The statement I made was nothing more than a factual representation. How can a factual representation be “unethical”? Let’s put an end to this right now and ask Mr. Frentzel to come forward and answer this simple question: Did you or did you not file with the Board of Elections the objections to my petitions?
It seems very common place today to resort to a character assassination against any candidate who decides to challenge one hand picked by the political power brokers. I’ll match my honesty, integrity and ethics against anyone. To make such reckless and unfounded charges against me without knowing the facts or simply ignoring them is wrong. They just don’t get it and they never will. Unless this is immediately stopped, good qualified candidates will not step forward and we will continue to have more of the same. We can do better. No one is entitled to any position just because he or she is active in the local political party. You, the voters, must step forward and put a stop to this with your vote. We must eliminate the “How dare he challenge us” mentality. Judicial candidates must be selected by voters, not political parties. There is simply no place for politics in the courtroom!
"YOUR SAFETY IS MY CONCERN"
