Letter: In Cayuga County, family court is ground zero for community safety
Written by Ben Susman
When people hear “county court judge,” they often think first of criminal cases. In Cayuga County, however, the majority of the county court judge’s workload is in family court. That reality affects not only families in crisis, but every resident who cares about public safety, prevention, and the future of our children.
The county court judge presides over family, criminal, and civil matters, often moving seamlessly between courtrooms. This requires broad legal experience and an understanding of how these areas intersect. Family court is frequently where instability first surfaces. It is where judges decide whether children must be removed from homes due to abuse or neglect, handle juvenile delinquency cases, issue orders of protection, and resolve custody disputes. In many ways, it is ground zero for community safety.
Unlike criminal court, there are no juries in family court; the judge serves as the finder of fact. These decisions can permanently alter a child’s life. They demand experience, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of both the law and the challenges facing families.
Data from the New York State Unified Court System highlights the scope of this responsibility. In 2025, 2,932 cases were filed in Cayuga County Family Court, compared to 262 criminal cases. In 2024, there were 3,097 family filings and 292 criminal filings — roughly 10 times as many family cases. Early 2026 indicators show continued pressure on the system, underscoring the need for efficiency and experienced leadership.
Behind every case number is a child whose future is at stake. When family court functions effectively — with timely, legally grounded decisions — cycles of trauma can be reduced, decreasing the likelihood of future criminal involvement. When courts struggle under strain or inexperience, harm to children and the broader community can compound.
Community safety is more than prosecution after harm occurs. True safety begins with prevention and early intervention. Family court works alongside law enforcement and social services to address abuse, neglect, juvenile delinquency, and family instability. Economic stress has intensified these challenges, increasing household conflict and placing added strain on schools, agencies, and the courts.
I am running for this position as the only candidate with deep experience in both family and criminal court. Protecting children, stabilizing families, enforcing lawful orders, and ensuring due process are essential to community health. This election is about more than party affiliation. It is about ensuring that Cayuga County has experienced, steady leadership from day one — because strong courts build strong communities.
Link to the article on the Citizen: https://auburnpub.com/opinion/letters/article_99639ed6-4a0b-401d-a905-838156457eb5.html