There is one woman running for Supreme Court in Smithtown and her name is Honorable Janine Barbera-Dalli. She is running on the Conservative line after being elected as a District Court Judge in 2012.
A busy mom – grandma and wife – like so many women she does the balancing act of family and career.
With no laywers or judges in her family, her impetus for law school was specifically to help women and children. “Since coming on the bench I feel that I finally am in a position to make a difference in the lives of children and women in distress,” she explained. Describing herself as tough and fair – tough might be the reputation she is most known for. She says she has followed a Conservative doctrine since getting elected helping those who help themselves.
“I will direct defendants to programs where available to help them get a better disposition as opposed to a fine or jail time. I don’t accept excuses, however and call defendants to task,” she continued. She says that’s her definition of Conservative. “I will guide and help you but not enable you,” she said.
Dalli is running in both counties and realizes it will be a tough run. However, she’s been out and about lately and was seen riding in an old-fashioned car for Smithtown’s 350th Birthday parade.
“I am hoping to establish myself as someone to be considered – I have what it takes to do the job,” she added.
Dalli says on Long Island being a Conservative and Republican are quite similar. “The doctrines are basically the same and it is what I bring to the bench,” she stated. Being a mother of four she has a lot of compassion for the young people who come before her. “As I said I utilize a lot of programs in order to afford these kids the best chance of getting out of the criminal court system and hopefully not coming back – but I won’t be played,” she declared. She says every defendant gets the justice they deserve in her courtroom – a quote by former District Court Judge Malloy, it is one she refers to frequently.
Note: Smithtown Today has written about Dalli – see Benchside with Honorable Dalli and Adolescent Diversion Programs.