HERKIMER, NY — Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney Prescott E. Klosner has officially announced his candidacy for New York State Supreme Court Justice, 5th Judicial District, which includes the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Lewis, and Jefferson.
Klosner, 40, a registered Republican and longtime resident of Ilion in Herkimer County, will be running for one of four open seats in a race that will be decided by general election on Tuesday, November 8. The four open seats are in Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida Counties.
Klosner’s decision to enter the race was prompted in part by former Supreme Court Judge Michael E. Daley’s recent retirement, which created a vacancy on the bench and opened the door for his entrance. After examining his qualifications and making the personal and financial commitment to formally run, he recently received the endorsement of Herkimer County’s Republican party.
“I felt that at this point in my career, I now have the courtroom knowledge and experience that’s necessary to be an effective judge,” Klosner explained. “I can also bring a strong work ethic, a youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the judicial process, which would hopefully benefit and better serve the interests of the people of New York state.”
Klosner said he recognized the importance of keeping a sitting judge in Herkimer County and is running out of a sense of duty to make sure that Daley’s seat doesn’t go elsewhere for the next 14 years, the term a state Supreme Court justice serves.
“There’s a lot at stake here,” he said. “Losing this seat could have tremendous impacts on litigants, particularly in terms of inconvenience and burdening them with additional costs.”
After working in civil practice following his graduation from Syracuse University School of Law, Klosner joined the Herkimer County Office of the District Attorney in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was appointed Chief District Attorney in 2002 and has handled more than 1,000 felony cases throughout his distinguished career as a trial attorney and prosecutor.
In his spare time, Klosner volunteers as a youth sports coach and belongs to several community and religious organizations. He and his wife Jacy reside in Ilion with their three children.
For additional information, please call 315-219-5407 or visit online at www.klosnerforjudge.com.
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