Thomas to run for Troy City Court judgeship

June 11, 2010

Troy, New York: Charles Thomas has been chosen as the Democratic challenger to Troy City Court judge Matthew J. Turner in the November 2010 citywide election. Thomas is currently an assistant public defender in Troy, NY, where he has lived all his life. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney (1986 to 1992). He cites experience in these two positions to defend his candidacy, saying, "My training as a prosecutor has allowed me to look at it one way, and my training as a defense attorney, a public defender, has allowed me to look at it in another." He also maintains a private law practice.

Incumbent judge Matthew J. Turner has served on the Troy City Court since 1998. Previously, he worked as a lawyer for various insurance firms, a private practice lawyer, a public defender's office employee, and as part of the city corporation counsel. He currently runs a private law practice in addition to his court job. He claims to have managed the court well for the past 12 years. He said, "The feedback I get from my fellow Troy residents is that they are happy with the job I’m doing and they find the court to be run very well."