Sophie Bergman is the Republican and Conservative candidate for Binghamton City Court Judge. A resident of Binghamton’s West Side, Bergman served nearly a decade as a prosecutor in both Broome and Warren County’s District Attorney’s Offices. She also served as a senior staff attorney at the Crime Victims Assistance Center, as an attorney in private practice and on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Schools of Broome County. Questionnaire responses have been edited for clarity.
1. What motivated you to run?
In January, Mayor Jared Kraham appointed me to fill a vacant seat for Binghamton City Court Judge. It is truly an honor to earn the Mayor’s trust to serve the people of Binghamton in this important position presiding over cases every day at City Hall.
Following this appointment, per New York State Election Law, the seat is up for election for a full 10-year term. I am seeking the term to serve the community where I live, work and am raising my family. My experience both prior and on the bench makes me the best candidate to serve the residents of the City.
2. How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
I am an experienced attorney who spent nearly a decade as a prosecutor with District Attorney’s Offices in Broome and Warren Counties. Here in Broome, I prosecuted major felony cases, including homicides, violent crimes, sexual assaults and drugs from 2009 to 2017.
My professional experience also includes serving as Senior Staff Attorney for the Crime Victims Assistance Center, where I provided trauma-informed representation to crime victims in a variety of family, civil and criminal matters. I also spent several years in private legal practice at the Binghamton-based law firms Hinman, Howard & Kattell and Jackson Bergman.
Giving back has also been important to me. That is why I have volunteered to serve on the Boards of Directors for the Catholic Schools of Broome County, Danielle House, Binghamton YWCA and RISE Domestic Violence Shelter.
My husband, Ben, and I live on the West Side where we are raising our [two] children. I love Binghamton and want to see it remain a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family and retire.
3. What do you believe are the biggest issues facing your constituents, and how do you plan to address them?
Judges and candidates for judicial office in New York state are not permitted to answer issue-related or policy-related questions.
4. Many students and community members are concerned about increasing prices, including housing and household essentials. How do you plan to address these concerns?
Judges and candidates for judicial office in New York state are not permitted to answer issue-related or policy-related questions.
5. Why should students and young people vote for you?
I have the experience and qualifications for the position and have a proven track record of effectively and efficiently handling cases over the last 10 months. I’m also the only candidate who will be able to serve a full 10-year term due to New York state’s mandatory retirement rule for judges.