LaBuda and his wife, Kathy
MONTICELLO – Sullivan County Court Judge Frank LaBuda made it official
Friday that he will run for a third term on the bench. A standing-room-only
crowd of about 200 packed the lobby of the county Government Center for
the announcement.
LaBuda, a Democrat, has served for 20 years, delivering what he proclaims
is a solid record.
“So I stand on my record and I stand proudly on that record, and
I look forward to continue that record, that record of service and that
record of protecting your rights, in and out of court, protecting your
way of life, even if it means feeding deer.” That was a reference
to LaBuda’s throwing out a 2010 conviction of a Barryville man for
feeding wildlife, in violation of state environmental regulations.
On a more serious note, the two-term judge took particular aim at what
drugs are doing to young people in Sullivan County. He noted that the
state’s former top judge, the late Judith Kaye, of Sullivan County,
tapped him to form one of the state’s drug courts.
Among several who spoke supporting LaBuda was a young man who credited
the judge and the drug court system for helping him turn his life in a
positive direction.
In summing up his qualification, he drew from the instructions given when
a grand jury is empaneled.
“I have pledged myself to judge no person from envy, hatred or malice
no leave anyone uncharged for fear, favor or affection or reward, or hope
thereof. Yes, folks, by following our Constitution and by living up to
my oath, at the end of the day, I go home knowing that I’ve done
justice for all of you to the best of my ability.”
No candidates, Democrat or Republican, have announced as potential challengers.
