A bill to create seven new judgeships in Suffolk was filed late last week as final touches were put on the state budget.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Assemb. Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) would create seats for one state supreme court judge, four county court judges, three family court positions and one district court judge, in Islip.
State and local court officials have lobbied for the extra slots for the past few years. But Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Demcoratic chairman, said he believes the new judgeships have a good chance of winning approval this year. Under this measure the slots would be created in time for the November election and new judges would take office in January.
Rick Brand