Debra Gelson is the Democratic candidate for Binghamton City Court judge. Born and raised in upstate New York, Gelson has over 35 years of experience serving in various roles, including as a prosecutor, public defender, judge and a family law attorney. In 2019, she was the Democratic nominee for Broome County District Attorney and was hired as a senior assistant district attorney, prosecuting domestic violence crimes. Questionnaire responses have been edited for clarity.
1. What motivated you to run?
I previously served as a Municipal Court judge for 10 years, and during those years I was able to have a positive impact on youth. I also successfully addressed the complicated issues of domestic violence. It is where I did my best work, and I know I can make that positive impact again as a judge of Binghamton City Court. This is why I chose to run.
Binghamton City Court is a court of consequence to our community. The work of the Court includes serious crimes — such as domestic violence — code cases, landlord [and] tenant disputes, small claims and traffic violations. It is an extremely busy court.
I am in Binghamton City Court often. As a senior district attorney for Broome County, one of my roles is prosecuting domestic violence cases in Binghamton City Court. I know the work of City Court and know I could make a positive difference.
2. How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
I have 35-plus years of experience serving as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, family law attorney and a judge. I have been a certified criminal trial attorney for 28 years.
While a judge, I was cross-assigned to preside in any municipality in three counties as a substitute or conflict judge. Over those 10 years I presided over thousands of cases and tried hundreds of cases as the trier of fact. The majority of my time was spent in Trenton, New Jersey as a city court judge which could involve 100 or more cases in one session. I am used to a busy court handing serious matters.
In addition, I was appointed as an Acting Superior Court Judge so I could conduct weekly civil commitment hearings at the state psychiatric hospitals for patients who were considered a danger to themselves or others. Each week I listened to the expert testimony of psychiatrists regarding the diagnosis, treatment and progress of approximately 50 patients per day for seven years. The education I received at that time about mental health issues, drug addition combined with mental health and their respective treatments is invaluable and is needed in the Binghamton City Court for the many defendants who have those issues.
My extensive legal, judicial and life experience has allowed me to develop the patience, compassion, fairness, judicial temperament, impartiality, independence, respect and integrity to be an outstanding judge for the people living in the City of Binghamton.
3. What do you believe are the biggest issues facing your constituents, and how do you plan to address them?
Code, housing and landlord [and] tenant issues are significant due to the need for safe, affordable housing in the City of Binghamton. Victims of domestic violence, and the children who are also victims are of great concern. Research shows that domestic violence in the home directly impacts the next generation.
I plan to insure that all treatment options available for victims, children and batterers are used to help stop the cycle of violence. At the same time, individuals must take responsibility for their behavior. I would like to see a community service program established as an option for the appropriate situation as well as the ability of working defendants sentenced to weekends in the jail, so they do not lose their jobs.
As a judge, I learned that you must consider all the facts and circumstances involved when sentencing an individual as the sentence does not just impact the defendant, but it affects family members and the community at large.
4. Many students and community members are concerned about increasing prices, including housing and household essentials. How do you plan to address these concerns?
When addressing landlord [and] tenant disputes, I will always allow the parties a full and fair hearing to present their cases and listen carefully to both sides. After determining the facts which I believe to be true, I will render a decision in accordance with the law.
5. Why should students and young people vote for you?
When it comes down to it, everything we do is about and for the next generation. I believe the court can be used to learn important lessons.
I have experience with young people. All three of my children went to college and currently one is in law school and one is pursuing her Ed.D. Did they have their share of lessons in college? Absolutely! Were they “enjoying” college life? To the maximum.
I taught college classes for 19 years and advised and mentored students throughout that time. In fact, I continue to mentor a number of college students interning in Broome County District Attorney’s Office. I have coached High School Mock Trial teams for years and am the current attorney coach for Binghamton High School’s Mock trial team. Last weekend I judged in the Bearcat Invitational Mock Trial Competition. Presently I have some high school students and a few BU students helping me with my campaign, for which I am very grateful.
I surround myself with young people, and I do that because I am committed to their learning and growth, and I learn and grow from them. It is the time spent with students that gives me a more well-rounded perspective that will serve me well as Binghamton City Court Judge. Why else should students and young people vote for me? As a Judge, my decisions and creative sentencing had a positive impact on youth and I will bring that experience with me to Binghamton City Court. Additionally, young people will receive the same respect in the courtroom as everyone else who enters it.