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Dr. Frank “Stoner” Clark
Cohocton Town JusticeIn seeking the Republican nomination for Cohocton Town Justice and asking for your support, I want to say from the beginning what a unique position this office represents. It differs greatly from other elected positions in that while integrated into the entire New York State system of jurisprudence, it does not require the specific judicial background and education in law mandated for most other offices in this system. It is designed to relieve the state judiciary of much of its burdensome case load at the local and municipal level while encouraging the healthy decentralization of government through local community participation. Since there are no specific educational, experiential or technical prerequisites for the position of town justice, just what does qualify one to hold and serve in this capacity? I would suggest the following as essential to the proper exercise of this office:
I believe my educational background, experience, and commitment would bring these qualities to bear in serving the community of Cohocton as town justice. I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary. I have taught school in both the public and parochial sectors. I served four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps being discharged as a Captain following a tour of duty in Viet Nam. I spent three years as a district representative with the American Cancer Society organizing volunteers in public information, education and fund raising throughout western Indiana. I have served 32 years in ordained ministry in Indiana, Ohio and New York. I served as a chaplain for both the Indiana State Police and the Newark, OH police and fire departments. I am happily married to Patricia Anne, my wife of 43 years. We have two daughters and six grandchildren. My leisure interests include four-wheeling with my wife, motorcycling on my Vulcan 900, outdoor photography, cutting and splitting firewood, and reading. Although I am a relatively new member of the Cohocton community, having purchased our home on Pine Hill in 2004, I am committed to serving your highest interests in my capacity as town justice. I ask that you consider the qualifications I would bring to this position and what that will mean for our community and lend me your support. Please remember that there is always a “maintenance” factor to representative government. We don’t just set it in place and ignore it, but rather we exercise our responsibility to ensure it functions in a manner reflecting the goals and values of the electorate. We do this through our participation in the election process. When elected officials conduct business in a manner contrary to our perceived best interests, we have the opportunity, and indeed the responsibility to exercise our constitutional prerogative to vote and thereby make the necessary changes. President Reagan’s comment from 1964 may be very germane to our current situation: “This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.” Please think about the direction our present administration is guiding our community and vote your conscience in the coming primary. A vote for Dr. Frank “Stoner” Clark is a vote for responsible and representative government
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