David Hawthorne was sworn in Tuesday night as Fulton’s next City Court Judge.
The swearing-in was ceremonial; Hawthorne has already begun work. He joked that the first few days had been a “trial by fire” and thanked the court staff for being patient with him.
Hawthorne was sworn in by the man he replaced, Spencer Ludington. Ludington won election in November to the position of Oswego County Surrogate’s Court Judge.
“I’m extremely confident he’s going to be a fantastic judge and do a great job,” Ludington told the audience at the Fulton Common Council meeting, where the ceremonial swearing-in was held.
Hawthorne took the oath of office with his wife and daughter, Lisa and Olivia, by his side.
He has served for some time as the city’s lawyer. Another member of the Hawthorne legal family, Dennis Hawthorne, Jr., will take over the job of handling the city’s legal affairs.
Mayor Ron Woodward, who prosecutes code enforcement cases in city court on behalf of the city, praised Ludington. “We have enjoyed a very close and special relationship,” he said, and was confident it would continue under Hawthorne.
“His heart’s always with the city,” Council member Dan Knopp said of Hawthorne.
After the ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a reception put together by Hawthorne’s wife and city court staff.
Video of the ceremony is here:
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