Two Dems vie for seats on City Court bench

Caroline Morrison felt like now was the time to move forward in her career, and to continue serving the community.

Rochester City Court Judge John E. “Jack” Elliott felt like now was the time to continue doing what he has been doing for the past 10 years, while also continuing to serve the community.

Both candidates, who were endorsed by the Monroe County Democratic Committee recently, are running for two judge seats on Rochester City Court. Sitting Judge John R. Schwartz, whose second 10-year term expires Dec. 31, is not seeking re-election.

County Republicans have not named candidates for the seats.

Morrison is assistant district attorney and said she has prosecuted more than 2,000 cases in various courts since she was hired in 2004. She has worked in the district attorney’s violent felony, driving while intoxicated and local court bureaus. As deputy chief of the Local Court Bureau, Morrison helps in training and supervising 17 assistant DAs.

“I’ve been a prosecutor who always fights to be fair,” Morrison said. “I plan to be fair and seek justice as a judge. It sounds like a cliché, but it really is what I’m focused on.”

Morrison, who in 2011 was one of The Daily Record’s Up and Coming Attorneys, has served on the executive committee of the Rochester Black Bar Association. She also volunteers in the PENCIL Partner Program at the Nathaniel Rochester Community School and the community outreach program Project TIPS.

Her professional experience and her volunteer work help make her qualified for the job, Morrison said.

“I think City Court is an opportunity to deter people from re-entering the system and hopefully turn someone’s life around,” Morrison said. “I really think City Court is a place where a judge can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Judge Elliott, who served in the public defender’s office from 1990 to 2003, said he loved serving in that role. He also said he loves serving as judge. He was first elected to the bench in 2003.

“It’s just a great job,” Judge Elliott said. “I love helping people. There’s no better job.”

The plan is for Judge Elliott to serve in the Rochester Drug Treatment Court, replacing Judge Schwartz, who helped establish the drug court in 1995.

“I look forward to stepping in his footsteps,” Judge Elliott said.

Morrison, too, said she is excited to have the opportunity to serve on a court that Judge Schwartz has had such an impact on.

“He’s been a good judge and he is very well-respected,” Morrison said. “I’m looking forward to having as good a reputation.”

— [email protected]