NORWICH – Chenango County Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Genute has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming vacancy of Norwich City Court Judge – a position held for the last 17 years by the Honorable James Downey, who is reportedly retiring at the end of the year.

Local grassroots organization The Friends of Genute for Judge is hosting a meet-and-greet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 20 at The Artists' Palette in Norwich to give members of the community an opportunity to become better acquainted with Genute.

With a diverse professional background foundationally set in law – particularly criminal law – Genute asserts that he feels he would best be positioned to serve the community as the next Norwich City Court Judge, the Court having jurisdiction over all of the local criminal court cases in the City of Norwich.

"While a prosecutor, my experience handling complex legal issues when managing criminal appeals better enables me to view cases with an objective eye, doing my best to evenhandedly apply the law to ensure that justice is properly served," said Genute. "With the responsibility of prosecuting defendants, I do my best to respectfully approach each matter I handle in court."

Genute's resume includes nearly 15 years affiliated with the Chenango County District Attorney's Office, six of which he's served as Assistant District Attorney; a position entailing regular prosecutions of all levels of crimes and violations in local criminal courts, including the Town of Norwich Court and Norwich City Court, and occasionally Chenango County Court.