Town of Southold Town Justice
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Eileen A. Powers
(Dem, WF)
1. What in your experience qualifies you to be Town Justice?
2. What is your assessment of the Southold judicial system and how would you improve it?
3. Do you feel the Justice Court has lived up to the recommendation of the Southold Justice Review and Reform Task Force and shown “zero tolerance” for bias, discrimination and harassment in court operations?
4. What is your top priority for your term?
Bio
Eileen Powers is an attorney who has served as the Southold Town Justice since 2018. Eileen previously served as the Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes unit of the Suffolk District Attorney’s office. In addition to her public service, Eileen has had a private law practice since 2002 specializing in criminal, civil and municipal litigation. Eileen resides in Southold with her husband with whom she raised three, now adult, children.
Education
J.D, cum laude, 1992 St. John's University School of Law; B.A., 1989, SUNY Stony Brook.
Experience
Southold Town Justice; Attorney in private practice; Assistant District Attorney
Campaign Phone
631-734-8270
In addition to my eight years as Southold Town Justice, I have been a practicing attorney for more than 33 years specializing in litigation. I have served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County including as the Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes unit. I have also worked as a criminal defense attorney and have served as a Town and Village attorney. Having spent my career as a litigator, I know how to run a courtroom. I also possess integrity and a strong sense of fairness—two qualities required of every Judge.
I am very proud of the operation of the Southold Town Justice Court during my tenure. We have a professional staff of clerks, interpreters, stenographers and court officers who work with the Judges to ensure that the court is responsive, efficient and fair. During the COVID 19 pandemic, we swiftly transitioned our court to remote operations and were one of the first courts to reopen at full capacity. We are currently working on procedures to take advantage of the recent state legislation authorizing remote arraignments for certain offenders.
The Southold Justice Court received high marks from the Southold Justice Review and Reform Task Force. We spent a considerable amount of time speaking to members of the task force and fully participated in the process. Our Judges and court staff also take the required bias training provided by NYS for all judges and court employees. We implemented the recommendations for increased signage including having same posted in both English and Spanish.
I plan to continue to run a professional court with a continued commitment to fairness and justice. I will work to make certain that the court keeps pace with changes inspired by technological advancements. I also will be working to transition the court during the planned retirements of long-time court employees and assisting with the training of new staff.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.