Editor, The Spotlight;
As a candidate for election to Surrogate’s Court, I would like to introduce myself to the voters of Albany County.
I have lived and worked in Albany County for the past 30 years, while my husband and I raised our three sons. After graduating from Albany Law School in 1984, I worked in private practice representing individuals before Surrogate’s Court in every type of proceeding.
For those unfamiliar with Surrogate’s Court, it is the court for individuals who have lost a loved one, for persons under a disability who require a guardian to manage their affairs and for adoption proceedings.
After more than 16 years of practice, I became the Chief Clerk of Surrogate’s Court, serving the families of Albany County during their most vulnerable times for over 10 years. In addition, I have personally been a consumer of the court as co-guardian to my sister, who is under a disability. Finally, in recent years, I have gained a unique perspective on judicial responsibility through my position as a Principal Appellate Court Attorney at the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department.
My decades of experience with Surrogate’s Court have provided me with an understanding of this complex area of law, as well as firsthand knowledge of the compassion that is required for these sensitive proceedings.
As the vacancy in Surrogate’s Court was created at the end of June, there are only a few days to collect the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot for Primary Day. I believe that the voters of Albany County deserve qualified candidates to choose from on Election Day, when they select who will oversee the Surrogate’s Court proceedings of Albany County for the next 10 years. For more information, please visit my website at www.StacyPettitForJudge.com.
Stacy Pettit
Delmar