Elections 2022: 8 candidates run for 4 seats on NY state Supreme Court's 5th district

Eight candidates are vying for one of four open seats on the New York State Supreme Court, Fifth Judicial District this Election Day.

The district covers Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties. The court serves as the highest trial level in the state and has an intermediary appellate division. Judges serve a 14-year term.

David A. Murad, 62, of Utica, is the only incumbent on the ballot. Murad is running on the Democratic line along with fellow Democrats Charles A. Keller, 52, of Onondaga; Christina Cagnina, 54, of Syracuse; and John W. Dillon, 57, of New Hartford.

Republicans William Ramseier, 55, of Clayton; Kevin P. Kuehner, 48, of Syracuse; Julie Grow Denton, 53, of Rome; and Mark Rose, 57, of Little Falls, are each running on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Election Day is Nov. 8. Early voting runs from Oct. 29 through Nov. 6.

Elections 2022:Early voting in Oneida County, requesting absentee ballot. What you need to know

Elections 2022:Who is on the ballot for Oneida County clerk

Here's what the candidates had to say about what they believe makes them most qualified for this position.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order and were given the same question to answer. Their responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Christina Cagnina

I have thousands of hours of courtroom experience representing real people, not corporations, in cases that impact peoples’ lives. My trial and negotiation skills in complex litigation are extensive. These skills are vital for those on the bench.

Employing many new attorneys, which gave me the patience and compassion needed to foster principled professionals, speaks to my character.

For 27 years I have run a solo practice. It allowed me to volunteer hands-on doing pro bono clinics for victims of domestic violence and disabled adults. Being independent has allowed me to be part of the community, not beholden to the interests of others.

Julie Grow Denton

Harvard Law School with Honors. Confidential Law Clerk to respected judges in federal and state court. Practicing Attorney. Community Volunteer. Family.

From such experiences, I hope readers will see that I have these qualities to offer: a strong work ethic; research, writing and oratory skills that have been put to use over a 25-year legal career; an understanding of clients who want to be heard; an awareness of the people in our community, and respect for individuals.

I know I would love working as your next state Supreme Court Justice – and that I can make you proud while doing so.

John W. Dillon

I’ve had the great pleasure of working as an attorney in Oneida County for the past 27 years. In that time, I have represented wealthy clients, poor clients, and everyone in between.

I also served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Utica and have handled hundreds of cases and trials.

Every Supreme Court litigant who comes before the bar of justice should be on equal footing, be they mighty or meek. The breadth of my experience makes me keenly aware of this bedrock principle and uniquely qualified. I’d be honored to have you place your trust in me.

Charles A. Keller

I believe that my career built upon hard work, determination and service is what sets me apart.

After starting out in public interest law, I taught at Syracuse University College of Law. Later, I opened my own law firm dedicated to helping those in need in our courts.

I have taken on some of the most difficult and high-profile cases the area. I have the patience and the temperament to work on the toughest cases under the most difficult and emotional circumstances. I promise to continue that history of serving the people of our community in the Supreme Court.

Kevin P. Kuehner

I am a Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer. That distinction requires additional testing and a rigorous peer review process. I have tried many complex Supreme Court cases and argued my clients’ cases all the way to the highest court in New York State.

My qualifications have been reviewed by local and even national organizations. All have given me the highest possible rating.

I have been trusted by local, state and national organizations to teach other lawyers the best way to handle their clients' matters. More than that, I seek this office to serve the community. I have unmatched courtroom experience.

David A. Murad

I have 35 years of legal experience, more than any other candidate.

I am the only candidate with any experience as a full time Judge, having served for the last 17 years. I am the only candidate with any experience as a Supreme Court Judge. I have presided over thousands of cases as a Supreme Court Judge.

That unmatched experience is invaluable to being able to resolve cases in a fair and timely manner. I am also a Certified Public Accountant, which makes me uniquely qualified to resolve the complex financial issues that arise in Supreme Court.

William Ramseier

Since 2012 I have been the Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice McClusky. I have also been the Town of Clayton Justice for the last 8 years.

From 1994 to 2011 I was a partner in a general practice law firm in Clayton. The experience I gained in these three different roles has prepared me to be your Supreme Court Justice.

I also bring a level of understanding and patience developed over my 28-year legal career. I know how important it is to treat everyone with respect, and make sure the people who appear before me know their voices are heard.

Mark Rose

Herkimer County is the only county in our six-county district without a Supreme Court Judge. The fact that Herkimer County does not have representation in this branch of government is unacceptable.

I was born in Herkimer County and have practiced law here for 30 years, the last 15 as City Court Judge. During this time several municipalities, school districts and residents have entrusted me with their legal matters.

This experience combined with my judicial temperament and community roots makes me most qualified to sit as Supreme Court Judge in Herkimer County.

H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Election 2022: Meet 8 NY Supreme Court candidates, 5th district