Controversial Judge Resigns to Run for District Attorney

Judge resigns to run for DA
The Albany Times Union by Carol Demare  -  May 5, 2011

Says he can better serve Columbia County in the job he once held

HUDSON, NY -- After 16 years on the bench, Columbia County Judge Paul Czajka announced Thursday he has resigned so he can run for district attorney in November, a position he previously held for seven years.  Czajka, 57, of Livingston, was elected the county's DA in 1987 and held the post until his election as county judge in 1994.  A Republican, Czajka said his resignation, which took effect Wednesday, was "a decision I did not take lightly."  "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," he said.  District Attorney Beth Cozzolino, also a Republican, succeeded Czajka in 1995, having been his chief assistant district attorney during his tenure. She easily won three elections. Cozzolino did not return a call Thursday in response to whether she intends to seek a fourth four-year term. If she does, it could mean a primary race in September.  Czajka said he will seek the endorsement of the County Republican, Independence and Conservative parties' committees.  He has four years remaining on his second 10-year judicial term. Gov. Andrew Cuomo could appoint someone to the judgeship. That person would have to run in November or the governor could decide to leave it vacant until the election. A graduate of the University at Albany and Western New England College School of Law, Czajka said, "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 country for implementation of justice is that of district attorney."