I’m Matt Dorsey and I’m running for Saratoga Springs City Court Judge. If elected, I’ll bring fairness, independence and experience to the City Court bench. In the past month, we’ve reached two important milestones in our campaign, and I’d like to share them with you.

First, I’m happy to report that we recently filed over 1,000 signatures on nominating petitions with the Board of Elections. This was possible through the hard work of over 75 volunteers who went door to door on my behalf. I want to sincerely thank the members of our community who signed my petition, and I also want to express my gratitude to our hard working campaign volunteers.

Second, I’m honored to have recently received a “qualified” rating from the Independent Judicial Election Qualifications Commission. The Commission is an independent group of 15 lawyers and non-lawyers who evaluate judicial candidates and rate them “qualified” or “not qualified.” The process is voluntary for candidates, and I was pleased to participate in their review. Read the rest of this story »

By: ANDREW J. BERNSTEIN, The Saratogian

SARATOGA SPRINGS - An independent screening panel has reviewed two of three candidates running for City Court judge, and is expected to review the third.

The Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission in the Fourth Judicial District, which includes Saratoga County, allows judicial candidates the opportunity for a voluntary review. According to the commission’s Web site, the state court system is required to convene the review commission, which appoints 15 members in each district, including lawyers and non-lawyers.

Former City Attorney Matthew J. Dorsey, who has been endorsed by the city GOP Committee, was reviewed and found “qualified” by the committee, as was one of two Democratic candidates, James A. Montagnino. Read the rest of this story »

In The Saratogian, 5/23/2008

I’m Matt Dorsey and I’m running for Saratoga Springs City Court judge. Our city court handles both civil and criminal cases within its jurisdiction. Arguably, the most difficult criminal cases involve domestic violence.

In order to deal with domestic violence cases more effectively, City Court is now working with the State Office of Court Administration to become a designated domestic violence court. As part of this new designation, the Saratoga Springs City Court judges and staff will receive specialized training to deal appropriately with domestic violence cases.

To enhance victim safety, an on-site resource coordinator will help victims obtain necessary assistance, such as access to housing and counseling services. In addition, increased judicial monitoring will ensure greater accountability if the defendant fails to live up to his or her obligations under the law.

As a domestic violence court, Saratoga Springs City Court will be better able to address the unique concerns of domestic violence cases. In all matters, it’s incumbent upon the court to ensure that all parties are treated respectfully and fairly. Most importantly, the court needs to see that justice is done. With this new designation, our city court will now have more tools to make that happen, and to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence.

In my campaign, I’ve focused on developing ways we can make our city court more open and responsive to the needs of the community, including a “Courtroom to Your Room Initiative,” quarterly practitioner meetings, and a student internship program.

The establishment of Saratoga Springs City Court as a designated domestic violence court is one more way to achieve this important goal.

To learn more about my campaign, please visit my Web site at www.Dorsey2008.com.

Letter to the Editor, Published in The Saratogian 4/11/2008

I’m Matt Dorsey, Republican candidate for Saratoga Springs City Court Judge. If elected, I’ll work hard to make our City Court more open and responsive to the needs of our community.

To help achieve this goal, I would start a student internship program in Saratoga Springs City Court for high school and college students. Our neighbors in the town of Saratoga have a very successful Student Internship Program, which they started in 2004. Since its inception, that program has graduated 30 interns from local high schools and colleges.

We’re fortunate to have an excellent public high school, as well as several fine private high schools in our community. In addition, we are home to Skidmore College, and several other colleges are close by. Read the rest of this story »

Reader’s View Published in The Saratogian on March 1, 2008

I’m Matt Dorsey, and I’m honored to have recently received the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee for the position of Saratoga Springs City Court judge. I’m now looking forward to bringing my campaign to the people of our great city.

I’ve been a practicing attorney here in Saratoga Springs for over a decade, and I’ve handled virtually every type of case within the City Court’s jurisdiction. During my time in City Court, I’ve handled cases not only as a defense counsel, but also as a prosecutor. I’ve also previously served the city of Saratoga Springs as special counsel for assessment case defense and as city attorney.

During my time practicing in City Court, I’ve gained a great deal of respect for the City Court staff as well as the Saratoga Springs Police Department. These hardworking men and women faithfully ensure the safe and efficient operation of our City Court.
Read the rest of this story »

From Saratoga Today February 15, 2008 

The race for the City Court Judgeship continues to move forward with the GOP endorsing Saratoga Springs native Matt Dorsey.

“I am very honored to have the committee support and I look forward to running a very active campaign.” stated Dorsey. “We will have a strong door to door program and try to reach out to as many residents as we can.”

Dorsey, who served as City Attorney under Mayor Mike Lenz, has been with The Dorsey Law Firm for the past decade. Dorsey is a third generation partner at the firm which has been providing legal services to Saratoga Springs for 80 years.

If Dorsey wins the November election, his father will maintain the day operations at the law firm, as Matt takes on the full-time role of City Court Judge, which is a 10-year term.

The Democratic Party is expected to make their endorsement this Saturday, February 16.

Dorsey, his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Grace, all reside in Saratoga Springs.

For more information on Matt Dorsey, go to: www.dorsey2008.com

The Albany Times Union, 1/9/2008

By Dennis Yusko

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Matt Dorsey, a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs and former city attorney, announced his candidacy Tuesday for the City Court judge seat being vacated by Douglas Mills at the end of the year. Read the rest of this story »

Matt Dorsey, a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs and local attorney, today announced his candidacy for City Court Judge in the upcoming election.  Dorsey’s strong legal experience, dedication to public service, and commitment to the community make him the ideal candidate to preside over cases in the City.  He is seeking the Republican Committee’s endorsement, which will be voted upon next month. Read the rest of this story »