by Jay Lawson
Candidate: Anthony Sege
Tony Sege of the Town of Forestport is running for Town Justice in the upcoming Septem-ber 10th primaries. He is seeking November ballot lines as both a Republican and Independence party candidate.
Sege said his 33-year law enforcement career led to his understanding of the various court systems and the people that encounter it, including families and young people.
“I teach the ‘Alive at 25’ program that’s offered under the auspices of Stop DWI. If a person between the ages of 15 and 25 gets a speeding ticket, a stop-sign ticket, a cellphone ticket, a DWI or DWAI, or a high profile, high-point ticket that would probably cost them their license, they have the option through the court systems of attending this four-hour course,” Sege said.
The goal is to keep course participants from becoming fatality statistics, he said.
“We focus on why these accidents occur, and it’s generally due to speeding, alcohol or cellphone usage. We then try to give these young drivers the tools they need to modify their behavior,” Sege said.
Sege graduated from Remsen Central School and attended Mohawk Valley Community College.
He was hired by the Oneida County Sheriff’s office in 1985.
He retired from there in 2010, at age 46, and committed himself to a business he owns and runs with his wife, Charlene: “Back to Basics Dog Obedience” in Woodgate.
“We do dog boarding and dog training for people throughout the area,” Sege said.
He also does work for the Town of Webb Police Department.
He has taught the “Crimes in Progress” course to recruits at the Mohawk Valley Police Academy.
He is a fire police instructor with the New York State Office of Homeland Security in the Office of Fire Prevention and Control division.
He is also a 33-year volunteer firefighter and current fire chief with the Woodgate Volunteer Fire Department.
“Part of me has always wanted to help people. I think that was one of the motivating factors in seeking this Justice position,” Sege said.
Sege said he began inquiring about the job six years ago, to Judge Ritter.
“I told him that I was thinking of stepping away from the law enforcement side of my career. I was hoping to go into the magistrate side of things, where you actually have a little more discretion in helping people out.”
Sege said the judicial function sometimes involves mediation and guidance, not just jail sentences and fines.
“It means assisting families along the way,” he said.
Sege is confident that, if elected, voters will be pleased with their choice.
He said he has the energy, flexibility, and knowledge to do a quality job.
Arraignments are needed all hours of the day and night, and Sege said his business operation ensures his availability.
“I’m available to those needing to speak with a Justice immediately, including law enforcement agencies that may need a Justice for guidance or paperwork filings,” he said.
On a scale of one-to-ten, Sege estimates his readiness for the bench stands at seven or eight right now, but expects it to rise quickly if elected.
“I think I would need just a little guidance from the magistrate schooling on certain procedures we have to follow,” he said.
Sege said he is well versed with the computer systems used by New York State, including the electronic reporting systems of the court.
“I’m familiar with how things have transpired in the last 25 years with respect to the court systems. I am also familiar with the paper work that comes from the police departments to the court system. So, I would not have to be reeducated on how to use a computer,” he said.
How enthusiastic is Sege about the possibility of serving Forestport as its Town Justice?
“Very,” Sege said.
On a scale of one-to-ten?
“Ten,” he said.