The Town of Wallkill is now a rare case, with two brothers serving as the town’s justices. Those attending admitted that such a case might be suspect if they were appointed positions, but the Owens were placed on the bench by the taxpayers.
“They were elected, not appointed,” said Joseph G. Owen. “They were elected by the will of the people.”
Joseph A. Owen was elected to the bench last year.
Depew spoke highly of both brothers, stating that while they are two completely different individuals, they are both extremely qualified to hold the office of town justice, and that they will both work hard to do what is best for the town.
The town court’s staff — Wendy Michaels, Debbie Sayers, Linda Sheret and Marilyn Guida — filled the jury box with their support during the ceremony, while the courtroom was filled almost to capacity with friends, family and other supporters of the newest Judge Owen.
The position of town justice isn’t an easy one. Depew pointed out that Wallkill town justices are pulled from their homes at any time of night for arraignments, seeing “the hardest criminals for the first time,” and “make sure our families are safe,” by determining bail, among other things.
For the average taxpayer, their town justice is also the face of the justice system.
“The town judge is the closest judge to the people,” said the Hon. Joseph G. Owen. “Everyone knows who the town justice is.”
When asked what the election results and large turnout at the ceremony meant to him, Patrick Owen replied, “To me, this means that a lot of people who supported me during the election, a lot of people with roots in this community, understand the importance of having a local court judge with strong roots in the community.”
“He meets the qualities we want to see in a judge,” said Depew.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to extend thanks to everyone,” said Patrick Owen, taking the time to single out his mother and father, as well as his wife for special thanks.
Owen stated he has served as a personal injury attorney in Goshen for the past 14 years, but admitted that the town justice position has always been in the back of his mind.
He explained that when he was young his father would bring him to night court sessions. Those hours were a special time he was able to spend with his father and left a lasting impression.
“I want to thank you,” Patrick Owen said to his father. “Hopefully my two boys can look up to me the way your two boys have always looked up to you.”
Owen’s father stated that he, his family, and his town were proud of him.
Owen was elected to a four-year term. The brothers have already worked out a splitting of the arraignments and covering for each other’s sick days and vacation time.
Owen stated that since the justice position is part-time, he will be maintaining his law practice as well.
By RACHEL COLEMAN
rcoleman@tcnewspapers.com
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