Greetings from Thom Benedetto 

Hello! Thank you for stopping by the campaign page – As many of you know, I have decided to run for Oswego County Court Judge. There is a vacancy in that office and I believe that my 25 years of experience in the community and legal field will serve me well in the position.

My experience includes an extensive background in Family, Criminal and Civil Law. I am the only candidate with actual courtroom experience presiding over real cases and making decisions with the same legal authority as a judge.

A little about me: After high school (APW '83), I attended Syracuse University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Policy Studies in 1987.

While in college, I worked in the legal field as an intern in a law office and then as a law clerk to help pay for school. My graduate work was done at Syracuse University where I earned a Juris Doctorate degree at the College of Law in 1991.

In 1992, I was admitted to practice law in all New York State Courts and in the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of New York.

I have been involved in public service my entire professional life and believe strongly in a commitment to family and to my community. Over the course of my career, I've been fortunate to work in a number of private and public positions which have all allowed me to help people, something I really enjoy doing.

I have worked for the New York State Unified Court System over the past 18 years, and now on a full-time basis as a Court Attorney-Referee in the Fifth Judicial District.

I serve in a quasi-judicial role hearing cases in Onondaga County Family Court involving domestic violence and neglected/abused children. I am also assigned to hear trials in the other 5 counties that make up the 5th Judicial District (Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Herkimer and Oneida).

While enjoying a long career with the Court system, I have also worked as an Assistant District Attorney and Deputy Coroner with Oswego County, as well as a lawyer in private practice representing numerous individuals, businesses and several municipal corporations. Therefore, I have experience in many areas of law, including extensive knowledge of Family, Criminal and Civil Law. I am a member of  CSEA/AFSCME Judiciary Local 334.

Life has been good!

So, I try to volunteer in the community to give back. I coordinate the Oswego County High School Mock Trial Program. I am a past member of the school board and planning board. I have also volunteered for various civic organizations, and am one of the founding members of the APW Educational Foundation where I chair the scholarship committee.

I do enjoy several hobbies including restoring vintage Ford cars and trucks, music, and a childhood passion: collecting license plates! I also really enjoy spending time with family. Patty is a Teaching Assistant in the field of Special Education.

Patty and I have 5 children. Our oldest, Justin, is a Special Education Teacher. Andrew is in college, Eric and Kaitlee are in high school and Caralyn is in kindergarten. You can often find us in the bleachers, sidelines, or audience at many school events!

Thanks for letting me share a little about myself. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to drop me a line!

Thom's Pledge:

"I have always worked hard and used my positive outlook on life to help others. As your County Court Judge, I'll use that same common-sense approach, be approachable and willing to listen.  I'll be firm, but treat people fairly and respectfully, and most of all:  I'll never forget where I came from or that I work FOR YOU, the people of Oswego County"