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“I am excited to run,” said Cassidy, “and I believe I have the necessary experience in both criminal court and family court to carry out the responsibilities of the County Judge.”
Cassidy has been a member of the Family Treatment Court for three years, and is currently the Supervising Attorney for the Department of Social Services. He has spent the past five years representing Tompkins County in child abuse and neglect cases, and in proceedings against those who exploit senior citizens.
Prior to his work for the County, Cassidy was a criminal defense attorney. As a member of the Ithaca City Treatment Court Team, he represented criminal defendants convicted of addiction-related crimes.
"People who successfully complete treatment court have a decreased risk of recidivism, and a far better chance of becoming productive citizens and better parents." Cassidy added, “ During the past three years we have seen an increase in cases involving the use of meth-amphetamines and bath salts. Treatment courts are the best and most cost-effective tools we have to rehabilitate addicts and keep our communities safe."
Local attorney and professor at Cornell Law School, Andrea Mooney said, “Joe Cassidy is a smart, ethical lawyer with experience in criminal, family and appellate court. He will be a fair judge and will serve his community well.”
Joe and his wife, Michele, live in the Town of Ulysses with their three daughters.
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