Binghamton judge censured by state watchdog agency

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that a judge in Broome County should be censured.

The Commission cited Binghamton City Court Judge Daniel L. Seiden for “contributing to a hostile work environment.”

Seiden has been a Binghamton City Court judge since 2008. His current term expires on Dec. 31, 2034, but he will turn 70 in 2028 and therefore must retire on Dec. 31, 2028.

Seiden was accused of failing to be dignified and courteous with court staff and senior court officials, and to cooperate with other judges and court officials.

Seiden raised his voice to the chief clerk and deputy chief clerk and made rude and discourteous comments to them, according to the commission.

He made discourteous comments about the administrative judge for the Sixth Judicial District and the Office of Court Administration, according to the commission.

He made gratuitous and disparaging comments about the chief clerk and his administrative judge in emails, according to the commission.

The Commission also found that Seiden failed to abide by Administrative Judge Eugene D. Faughnan’s directive that he address all issues concerning the clerk’s office and administrative policies with him rather than the chief clerk or her staff.

Seiden also sent an email to multiple senior court officials about his reassignment to another court, in which he made discourteous and insubordinate remarks to them, the commission found.