Editor’s note: The last day to submit a letter about the 2025 election is Friday, Oct. 24.
To the Editor:
As this year’s election approaches, we have an important opportunity to elect judges who combine experience, fairness and a commitment to justice. That’s why I’m supporting Elizabeth Fortino for justice of the New York state Supreme Court.
I have known Fortino for 15 years; eight of those years we served on Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri’s Ethics Committee, which she chaired with high standards and professionalism.
Elizabeth Fortino has spent more than two decades serving our community through the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, where she is the director of the Appellate Division. She has handled thousands of cases before the state’s highest court, ensuring that the rights of all individuals — especially the most vulnerable — are protected.
Her reputation for professionalism, integrity, and compassion has earned her community service awards such as Accent on Excellence and 40 Under 40. Fortino listens, treats everyone with respect, and brings deep legal knowledge and empathy to her work.
Our courts deserve judges who are fair, prepared and experienced. Fortino embodies all of those qualities. I urge voters to support Elizabeth Fortino for New York state Supreme Court on Election Day.
Jeanette Spina
Utica
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.