Justice race in Florida will bring first new judge in 30 years

Florida — With Judge Daniel Colman retiring after serving the Village of Florida for 30 years, Elizabeth C. Figliacconi and Richard Shuback are looking to take his place on the bench. • Elizabeth C. Figliacconi Figliacconi served eight years on the Florida School Board, including stints as president and vice president. She is a member of the village’s Parkland Development Committee and a retired supervisor of the New York State Thruway Authority. Figliacconi decided to run for this office because, she said, she is fair and open-minded. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” she said. “And it’s interesting work. The people of Florida can have faith in my dedication to the village because of the work I have done on the school board. Now that I’m retired, I will really have time to devote to this position.” Figliacconi said her experience with the Thruway Authority brought her in contact with the justice system many times. She has attended a number of legal seminars and has a good knowledge of the court system. She has been observing different local courts throughout the area since deciding to run for office. “I would like to try to implement some new things in the court,” said Figliacconi. “I’d like to use mediation more often, community service for minor infractions, and have quicker justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.” Her plans include improved scheduling of the court calendar. “I’ve been observing the local courts and think things can be moved along.” • Richard Shuback Shuback is a 30-year employee of the New York State Department of Corrections, currently serving as a sergeant at the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. His experience in the Department of Corrections, he said, gave him the opportunity to deal with people in all situations. “I feel I can bring that experience to the bench,” said Shuback. “The law has always interested me and when I found out Judge Colman was leaving, I called him. I have been going down to the court on a weekly basis for over three years now. When it’s open, I’m there.” Shuback plans on retiring soon from his position, which will be even sooner if he is victorious in this election. “I didn’t realize you couldn’t do both jobs,” said Shuback. “I had thought about staying a little bit longer but I really want to do this so I’ll leave a little earlier.” Shuback said he is impressed with how Colman has run his court and feels not too many changes would be needed. “I’ll bring my own personality to this job,” said Shuback. “I don’t foresee many changes coming from me. The people of Florida have re-elected Judge Colman for 30 years. They obviously like the way things are being done. I’ll pretty much try to keep it that way.” Shuback, who is an Army vet and member of the American Legion Post 1250, said if he is elected, he would take a special interest in dealing with kids who come before his court. “You’ve got to be careful with kids,” said Shuback. “You don’t want to be too tough on them but you do want to teach them a lesson and prevent them from coming before you again. I can deal with that.” • Voting time and place The Village of Florida election will take place on Tuesday, March 20, from noon until 9 p.m. at the Senior Center behind the Village Hall. Three candidates also are vying for village trustee: Caroline Califf, Frank Jarocki and Frank Pierce. Jarocki and Pierce are incumbents.