No race, no doubts

Turning in early on this Monday night was not an option, at least not for Gates Town Justice Peter P. Pupatelli.

Four times his phone rang for arraignments, but that’s just one of the occupational hazards that come with a town justice job. The benefits, however, even outweigh the 2:30 a.m. call, Justice Pupatelli said.

“You feel like you make a difference when you help a kid turnaround 180 degrees,” he said. “When we perform weddings, they make me feel like part of the family. That’s the upside.”

Another upside, at least for this general election, is job security.

Town justice races in Greece and Clarkson are not only contested, but in both cases, voters settled contested primary elections.

But no such drama this November in 14 other Monroe County communities, as the town justice races this fall can be considered an after-thought — although many of the candidates running unopposed are still making a point of meeting with residents and reminding them of the jobs they do and their qualifications to do them.

“I am a little surprised,” said Penfield Town Justice James P. Mulley Jr., a former Town Board member who is executive assistant for the Appellate Division, Fourth Department.

This is Justice Mulley’s first time running unopposed in four elections.

“It’s a different experience,” said Justice Mulley, who is completing his first four-year term on the bench. “We’re on the ballot every four years and it’s important to get out and meet the community. We serve an important role in the state judicial system, and it’s a privilege to be part of that.”

Most of the candidates are running on Republican and Conservative lines, but the lack of competition is not a partisan issue. Democratic Irondequoit Town Justices Joseph J. Valentino and Joseph T. Genier are running unopposed.

Many of the candidates are familiar faces, longtime incumbents seeking another four-year seat.

Justice Pupatelli, who has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years, has served as town justice since 2001.

Perinton Town Justice Michael H. Arnold, who has practiced law for more than 20 years, is completing his 14th year on the bench. He, too, is used to running against an opponent, and circumstances this year put a different spin on campaigning for him.

Town residents this year will be electing a new supervisor for the first time in 25 years, and it’s important for all of the candidates to get out and campaign as a team, Justice Arnold said. Frankly, most people prefer this to be their only contact with the justice system, he said.

“Often, people are surprised and happy to talk to any elected officials,” Justice Arnold said. “It’s nice to put a face to that.”

Some are running as incumbents, although they have not been on the bench long.

In Pittsford, incumbent Town Justice William K. Taylor, who was appointed to the bench earlier this year, is seeking a full, four-year term. Justice Taylor and incumbent Town Justice John E. Bernacki Jr. both are running unopposed.

In East Rochester, Town Justice David P. Bonacchi is running for a full, four-year term. A year ago, he won a contested race that wasn’t decided until just before Thanksgiving.

Some candidates are running for the seat for the first time.

In Chili, Ronald G. Evangelista is a Conservative candidate running unopposed for a four-year seat. Longtime Town Justice Melvin L. Olver is not seeking re-election after 29 years in office.

Evangelista, who is a former Rochester police officer and union leader, said most of the people ask if he is a lawyer. While the answer is no, he is able to explain that it’s not a job requirement for a town justice, and he also gets the opportunity to explain how his experience  makes him qualified for the job, he said.

“It’s all about telling people how it is,” Evangelista said. “Running unopposed shouldn’t stop anyone from campaigning. A candidate’s obligation is to ask people for their vote. It’s politics at its finest.”

Webster Town Justice Thomas J. DiSalvo, who is running unopposed for the third time since he was first won a contested race for the seat in 2001, said it’s important to meet with and shake hands with the people all the town’s candidates see at the grocery store, in church or at Little League games.

“People know who you are,” Justice DiSalvo said. “They see you’re just a regular person trying to do a job.”

While they do acknowledge the pressure is off and enjoy meeting with people, Justice Pupatelli said there is no adrenaline rush on election night when the results are tallied and an outcome is determined.

“When you do have an opponent, it’s more exciting,” Justice Pupatelli said. “But overall, it’s good. We are appreciative of the support. It’s good to get that kind of approval.”