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Lowville Turns To Albany To Figure Out Judge Snafu

Story Published: Mar 14, 2013 at 3:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2013 at 6:21 PM EDT

Who's going to fill the job of Lowville Town Judge?

John Youngs was the judge from 2003 until just last week.

That's when everyone realized Youngs forgot to run for reelection.

Now, town lawmakers are turning to the State Attorney General's Office for help figuring what to do.

"No one can recall anything like this ever happening anywhere in the state," said Ray Meier, the attorney for the town of Lowville.

The AG's office is debating whether to appoint an interim judge or have Governor Andrew Cuomo call for a special election to find a replacement for Youngs on the town's dime.

"That's going to cost the town some money. If there's a reappointment or an appointment we can go to the next General Election which is November," Lowville Town Supervisor Randall Schell.

While officials await word from Albany on what to do next, there is the matter of salary - specifically about $1,400 paid to Youngs for two months worth of work he wasn't supposed to do.

"Whether we should seek that from him, or just accept the fact he did do the work," said Schell.

Also at issue?

The 20 or so cases, traffic tickets, Youngs presided over since January.

Those cases are set to be transferred over to the other town judge, Asa Holbrook.

"Those people will be getting a letter, they can either dispose of them by mail or come into court," said Meier.

Youngs and his attorney Mike Young declined to comment.

Like just about everyone else, they're waiting to see who's seat this really is.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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