A popular Columbia County Judge has stepped down from the bench and says wants his "old job back" as District Attorney. Paul Czajka left his Judge job on Wednesday and says as DA he'll "personally investigate crime, go to court and prosecute criminals".
Czajka was first elected District Attorney in 1987 and held the DA's job until he was elected to the bench in 1994. He was re-elected to another 10 year term in 2004.
Czajka is holding a press conference on the steps of the Columbia County Court House Thursday
morning at 11am, to explain his decision to run for the top law enforcement job in Columbia County.
HUDSON -- Columbia County Judge Paul Czajka has submitted his resignation, stepping down from the bench after 16-years to seek the position of county district attorney in the November election. The resignation was effective Wednesday.
"My resignation is a decision I did not take lightly," said the county judge, who served as district attorney for seven years prior to his election as county judge in 1994. "I fervently believe, however, that I can better serve the unfortunate victims of crimes, our citizens, and the taxpayers of Columbia County as our district attorney."
"During my 30-years in public service, I have worked for the residents of Columbia County in various capacities within the judicial system with the goal of making our community a better, safer, more secure place to live and raise our families," said Judge Czajka.
"If I've learned nothing else during my career in law enforcement and the judicial systems of Columbia County, it is that the single most important position in the county for implementation of justice is that of district attorney," Judge Czajka observed.
"That is why I have come to realize that I can better reach my goal on the other side of the bench as district attorney, where I can prosecute the guilty, while pursuing justice for victims. Importantly, I will do so within the limited financial means of our taxpayers," the jurist said.
"Further, I am certain I can provide leadership and guidance for hard-working police officers and be responsive to the requirements and needs of all 38 town, city, village and county judges," he said.
Judge Czajka will seek the endorsement of the Columbia County Republican Committee, the Columbia County Independence Party Committee, and the Columbia County Conservative Party Committee for their support in the November 8th election.
The judge, who has nearly four years remaining on his second 10-year judicial term, believes greater efficiency can be implemented in the district attorney's office with a smaller, hard working staff, improved training and simple inter-agency communication, which will enable prosecutors to successfully reach their goal of the apprehension, prosecution, conviction and punishment of wrongdoers.
"Simply put," Judge Czajka said, "if I am elected, I will personally investigate crime and assist police officers in their investigations, personally go to court, and personally prosecute crimes. All of my assistant DAs will do so as well. This will result in greater leadership, accountability and responsibility that, with hard work, will spread throughout the county."
Judge Czajka was first elected district attorney in 1987 and held that post until his election to the bench in 1994. He was re-elected to another 10-year term on the bench in 2004.
Prior to his election as district attorney, the Columbia County native served two years as the public defender and as an assistant district attorney. He also practiced law privately, and until 1986, maintained the family dairy farm.
Czajka received his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1977 and his juris doctor degree from the Western New England College School of Law in 1981.
He currently resides on his family's farm in Livingston.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Judge Czajka, (518) 506-7337
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