By Dan Murphy
Two local Westchester Judges are running for election to the State Supreme Court in the 9th Judicial District, (Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess and Orange Counties). Yonkers City Court Judge Tom Quinones is seeking to become the first Hispanic elected to the Supreme Court from Westchester. Greenburgh Town Justice Christie D’Alessio is the only female candidate for Supreme Court this year in the 9th JD.
Both Judge Quinones and Judge D’Alessio have over 20 years of legal experience in addition to their time on the local bench. First elected to the Yonkers City Court in 2016, Judge Quinones has presided over one of the busiest local courtrooms in Westchester for the past five years.
Prior to sitting on the Yonkers Court, Quinones served for 20 years as a Family Court Magistrate in NY County, where he presided over court proceedings including determinations of support, both contested and uncontested paternity proceedings, and other family court matters. Judge Quinones also served as a Chief Hearing Examiner for the New York City Department of Health, giving him four decades of service to the people of New York in the court system
An active participant in community life in Yonkers, Judge Quinones has served for 10 years on the Yonkers Exchange Club. He is married to his wife of 25 years, Odette, and they have three children.
Greenburgh Town Justice Christie D’Alessio brings more than 20 years of legal service to the people of Westchester, and wants to continue that service as a Supreme Court Judge. Elected to the Greenburgh Town Court in 2018, D’Alessio has served as a Westchester County Assistant Attorney from 2001-2014, and as a court attorney to State Supreme Court Judge Minihan.
A respected jurist with a proven record of experience and integrity, Judge D’Alessio has served on the Greenburth Town Court since 2018, where she has presided over criminal, civil and small claims matters, and youth court proceedings. Judge D’Allesio has also served as an acting Judge in several local City and Village courts across Westchester, including of Yonkers, White Plains, Elmsford, Irvington, Larchmont, Sleepy Hollow, Tuckahoe and Mamaroneck.
A dedicated wife and mother of three, Judge D’Allesio is known as a Judge who renders justice to the people with compassion, fairness and common sense. “Raised in a modest blue-collar family, I have always followed my parents’ example to work hard for opportunities. I have never forgotten my humble roots which keeps me grounded and drives me to serve the community with care. To make a timely decision backed by reason and compassion and rooted in law. This is my goal every single time I take the bench,” said Judge D’Alessio.
As with every non-presidential or non-gubenatorial election, turnout will be the key. for As one Westchester democrat said, “Our biggest opponent right now is apathy, so we need to do all we can to make sure everyone knows how important voting is in local elections.”
The five democratic candidates for State Supreme Court in the 9th JD are Judge Quinones, Judge D’Alessio, sitting State Supreme Court Judge Robert Berliner, and attorneys Tom Davis and James Hyer. They are actively campaigning across Westchester County to earn your vote.
Don’t sleep on this election. Early voting is starting October 23 and election day is November 2.
