With general elections days away, here's one final look at the three candidates in the run for Norwich City Court Judge. City court judge is an elected position held for the last 17 years by the Hon. James Downey, who is retiring at the end of this year. The candidates are Mike Genute (R), Maureen Byrne (D), and Steve Natoli (I). The 10-year term pays a salary of $108,800. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 7.
Mike Genute is a Chenango County Assistant District Attorney running for Norwich City Court Judge.

Genute is the Republican candidate in the judge race after edging Steve Natoli in the primary election by nine votes.

A native of northern New Jersey, Genute earned his degree in law at Quinnipiac University in 1996.

After working as a county superior judge's law clerk for five years, Genute moved to Norwich in 2001 with his wife, Elaine.

Since then, Genute has continually taught New Vision Law and Government and was of counsel to the District Attorney until 2011. In 2011, Genute became an Assistant District Attorney for the county.

“First I want to thank the supporters, who have worked tirelessly during the last seven months of this campaign,” said Genute.

“I also want to thank the people of the City of Norwich for allowing me the time and even inviting me into their homes to share my qualifications that make me the best candidate for City Court Judge.

“I ask voters to now remember my 21 years of diverse legal experiences, especially my criminal appeal and ADA work as a prosecutor, volunteerism in the community, and a commitment to the position for the next ten years, as they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 7.

“With my criminal law focus and diverse legal background – including my judicial experience, being a mediator, labor negotiator, educator, and coach of our community's youth – nobody has the same set of experiences and involvement in the community to serve as our next City Court Judge.”