Elect E. Jeannette Ogden Erie County Family Court Judge

Hello. I am Judge E. Jeannette Ogden, candidate for Erie County Family Court. My campaign Committee and I thank you for visiting this site.

Today's hard times stress and strain many families. I see it when I sit on the bench in both the Buffalo City and Erie County Family Courts. It not only takes a village to raise a child, it also takes an experienced and concerned Judge to help hold as many families together as we can.

That is why I am running for Family Court Judge. I have experience on and off the bench. I am a mother, stepmother, foster-surrogate mother, grandmother and godmother, I have been mothering since I was a child, sometimes with disappointments, always with love.

I've experienced many of the circumstances that the people before me are experiencing. This enables me to understand the problems and uniquely qualifies me to serve on this important court.

Recent studies show that violent crime committed by youth has increased by 52%. I have a track record of successfully working with troubled youth. I am committed to holding them accountable and helping them to correct their actions before they appear in criminal court. I see the consequences every day.

I've been committed to helping children and families for over 25 years; volunteering as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Hopevale, Inc., Girl Scouts of Erie County, Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc., Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and the Bar Foundation of Erie County.

I've also presided over criminal and civil cases involving domestic violence in the Buffalo City and Erie County Family Courts and have lectu8red on work place violence and elder abuse. I've presided over cases in the Drug and Mental Health Courts and experienced the guilt and shame of being a parent of a drug addicted child. I understand the devastation affects that drug addiction has on the entire family and the need for juvenile treatment courts.

Like so many in our community who come through Family Court, I know what it is to struggle. I didn't grow up with all the advantages. I understand, not just financially but emotionally. I've gained a reputation of being firm but fair and I've learned how to make tough decisions.

I've been a trial lawyer, a prosecutor in Criminal and Family Court, an assistant county attorney, elected to two terms as a City Court Judge and served for the past five years as an Acting Family Court Judge. I am asking you to help me to make this acting position a permanent position.

These trying times require a Judge with the right experience to do a firm and fair job in Family Court. What the courts do with our children and families affects our community. We deserve nothing less than the best.

I am the best candidate for Family Court Judge. Vote for me and I'll always do my best.