Newly elected 52-2 District Court Judge Joseph Fabrizio doesn’t take the bench until Jan. 2, but he’s already busy with court business.
He’s met with court administrators and soon-to-be fellow district Judge Kelley Kostin.
‘I think we’ll make a great team,? Fabrizio said. ‘There’s a lot to do ? my priority is a smooth transition.?
They discussed court procedures, timelines, upcoming cases and other details.
‘The meeting went very well ? I’m looking forward to working with him,? Kostin said. ‘There are a lot of small things that need to be done before you take the bench. I want to try to help him with that.?
Fabrizio earned 28,428 votes to incumbent Judge Dana Fortinberry’s 21,171, with 167 write-ins.
‘I’m very pleased with the results, and honored to have the support of the community,? he said.
Fortinberry, who is out of the area due to a family emergency, was unavailable for comment.
Fabrizio is also busy withdrawing from his law firm, Fabrizio and Brook of Troy, filing paperwork to Brook of Troy, filing paperwork to transfer more than 200 lawsuit cases to new representation.
He dismissed his own lawsuit, for defamation against Fortinberry and her campaign over a late-election advertisement, this past Friday.
‘Now that I’m a member of the judiciary, it’s in our best interest to maintain civility and avoid distraction,? he said.
He will review the court’s budget, and special programs such as Sobriety Court and Court in School.
‘They’re all worthwhile programs,? he said. ‘We’ll have a continuous review of their sustainability in the face of upcoming budgetary crisis we’ll probably face in the years to come.?