July 6, 2017
BATH, NY – The Bath Police Union has issued the following statement:
Today it was announced that the Bath Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Republican Judge Chauncey Watches in his campaign for Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge. The organization represents the men and women of the Bath Police Department.
In their endorsement letter (copy attached), PBA President William Baker noted that “Judge Watches’ dedication to his community is exemplary and (he) has served with distinction as a fair and impartial dedicated civil servant. His guaranteed reliability for late night arraignments alone has set himself apart from all other Judges and candidates.”
The PBA further stating that “We hope to see all of you at the polls to vote for Chauncey J. Watches as Surrogate Court Judge of Steuben County.”
In response to learning about this significant endorsement, Judge Watches said, “I’m honored and humbled to have the support of the Bath Police. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect Steuben County residents. They know how important it is to have the right person serving in the critical role of Surrogate Court Judge.”
Surrogate Court has jurisdiction over estate proceedings and is responsible for granting and supervising the guardianships of infants and incapacitated adults. The Surrogate Judge is also regularly assigned to County Court, Family Court and Supreme Court in Steuben and seven surrounding counties.
Judge Watches has served as a Municipal Judge in Bath for the last 13 years, where he has helped to resolve thousands of challenging cases. Beyond his tenure behind the bench, he also runs his own private legal practice and has previously served as a prosecutor and as Assigned Counsel through the Public Defender’s Office. No other candidate in this race has served in the courtroom from all sides – prosecutor, defense and judge.
Judge Watches added, “Our Surrogate Court Judge faces complex and nuanced cases that affect hundreds of families in Steuben County every year; it’s not a place for on-the-job-training. I’ve served as a Judge for 13 years and am ready for this next step forward in serving the people of our community.”
Beyond his unparalleled legal qualifications, Judge Watches has given back to our community by volunteering as Past President of Canisteo Rotary Club and Hornell Alumni Association, as a member of numerous Boards of Directors for local community organizations, and as a former coach of youth soccer, basketball and baseball.
The Republican Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, while the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. This seat will be open due to the pending retirement of Judge Marianne Furfure.
