NORWICH – Hundreds crowded into the Chenango County Courthouse Tuesday as local attorney Frank Revoir Jr. was sworn in as Chenango County, Family and Surrogate Court Judge, a position which carries a ten-year term.
Revoir replaces outgoing Chenango County Court Judge W. Howard Sullivan, who retired at year’s end. Revoir was elected to the judgeship following a lengthy and hotly-contested race which saw more than 17,000 county residents turn out to vote. In the general election, he beat out fellow attorney Diane DiStefano – running on the Democratic and Working Families party lines – for the position, garnering a 61 percent majority (10,521 votes) to DiStefano’s 38 percent (6,565 votes). In September’s primary, Revoir won all three party lines – Republican, Conservative and Independence – defeating challengers Joseph McBride and DiStefano.
Surrounded by family, friends, local officials, law enforcement leaders, fellow jurists from across the county and members of the campaign team who helped to elect him, Revoir listened patiently as New York State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Garry – flanked by Judge Sullivan and fellow Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dowd – spoke on his behalf. Garry called the occasion both joyful and solemn, introducing the many dignitaries, elected officials and county employees present for the ceremony: joyful because Revoir “did something quite remarkable” in 2012, calling the race for the judgeship “one of the hardest and best-fought campaigns” she’d ever seen. Garry then commended each of the three candidates who vied for the position for putting forth so much effort, calling the election a representation of “the very best of our democratic traditions.”
And yet the event was also a solemn one, added Garry, as Judge Sullivan, who can only be described as “beloved,” according to the Supreme Court justice, retires.
“Over the next decade, you will be challenged in ways we cannot know,” stated Garry, addressing Revoir. “You will be held to the highest of standards, both on and off the bench.”
Judge Sullivan advised Revoir to stand firm by his convictions, commending him for his dedication and compassion.
“I know you’re going to do a good job,” Sullivan added, noting he had worked for many years with the majority of those Revoir will be working with, calling them the best in the system. “Let them guide you. They will look to you as a leader ... you lead them.”
Justice Dowd, whose comments had the crowd erupting in laughter time and again, said the election represented a successful democracy at work.
“This is what America is all about,” he added. “I couldn’t be prouder of Frank if he was my own son.”
Dowd went on to state his belief that Revoir has the intelligence, the ability and the temperament for the judgeship before swearing him in, followed by a standing ovation and long applause. Revoir then thanked his family and supporters for their efforts, sacrifices and volunteerism in the months leading up to the election, stating he was “extremely appreciative and grateful” in accepting the judgeship. Addressing Judge Sullivan, Revoir said he would be remiss if he did not take the opportunity to express his gratitude for the outgoing jurist’s decades of service to Chenango County.
“You have touched our lives and we are better for it,” he added.
Following the ceremony, many of those in attendance made their way to the Northeast Classic Car Museum for a formal reception. Revoir, joined by wife Edi, admitted it’s been a long year – although a rewarding and worthwhile one.
“It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” said Revoir of the judgeship. “I began my legal career here as a clerk for Judge Dowd, so it’s almost like coming around full circle. When I first met him [Dowd], I became fascinated with the court system. I was always convinced I would have a career in law and that this was what I wanted to do.”
Edi Revoir said the most rewarding aspect of the experience was falling in love with Chenango County and its residents all over again; getting to know every community and its people.
“Today was humbling ... the support of the people,” she added. “Frank was standing there today because of the people of Chenango County, and for the people of Chenango County. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”