CHEEKTOWAGA – Two candidates have emerged in the 2019 race for Cheektowaga town justice setting up a possible Democratic primary this September.
Cheektowaga Police Detective Dave Stevens announced Friday that he is seeking the endorsement of the Cheektowaga Democratic Committee for town justice.
Mr. Stevens is nearly a 30-year veteran of the police department and said in a letter to the Democratic Committee that he would bring a fresh perspective to the bench.
“As Judge, I will use common sense when listening to and rendering court rulings. I will approach each case as I currently treat all my investigations; by reviewing the evidence presented and making fair and unbiased decisions,” Mr. Stevens wrote.
He says his goals as town justice will be to reduce the recidivism rate of shoplifters, hold bench warrant subjects answerable to their crimes, ensure that drug court sanctions are adhered to, and he will protect the victims of domestic violence.
Town Justice Paul Piotrowski told the Cheektowaga Bee that he intends to seek a third term on the bench. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo and worked in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office as Chief of Narcotics.
Mr. Stevens was hired by the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1991 where he has served as a Patrol Officer and in the Community Service Unit. He became a Detective in 2006.
Cases in Cheektowaga’s court system are adjudicated by two part-time justices who serve four-year terms. Their annual salary of $74,960 is set by the town board.
Former Assistant Chief of Police Jim Speyer succeeded Dennis Gorski in January when Mr. Gorski decided not to run for re-election.