Candidate Profile: Jodi Kimmel For Bedford Town Justice

BEDFORD, NY — In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Jodi Kimmel is seeking election as Bedford Town Justice in November. The 45-year-old is running on the Working Families Party ticket and as a Democrat.

Learn more about Kimmel on www.JodiKimmel.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Jodi Kimmel:

Family

Husband: Brett; Daughters: Zephyr (14), and Ottilie (almost 12)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Hon. B.A. from McGill University; J.D. from Cardozo School of Law

Occupation

Litigator specializing in family law (and all the areas of law that touch upon family law) - 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.JodiKimmel.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking the office of Town Justice quite simply because I want to help people. As a litigator specializing in family law, my entire 20-year career has been dedicated to helping people through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Bedford is my home, my community. I am raising my family here, and am involved in many different parts of the Town. The fair and equal administration of justice in my community is of the utmost importance to me.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Not applicable to a judicial candidate.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference is our legal background and experience. I have 20 years of experience of practicing family law and handling the types of cases that come before the Town Court.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My experience is evidence of my ability to handle this job. I have litigated cases, argued motions, held conferences, etc. with judges in different courts in Westchester and neighboring counties, so I know what works and what doesn't when it comes to being a good judge. The area of law that I practice is relevant to the types of cases that come before the Town Court. In family law, I help people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. In Town Court, people are often at their lowest and in need of compassion. The practice of family law includes other areas of law that touch upon someone's life including: landlord-tenant, employment, criminal, all of which come before the Town Court. Domestic violence is also a prevalent problem in Bedford, one that has worsened with the advent of COVID-19. Orders of Protection and violations of these orders, often come before the Town Court and are issues I handle regularly in my practice.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don’t confuse good luck with good sense. - From my dad who passed away from Alzheimer’s four years ago.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

In addition to possessing relevant legal qualifications, and a calm demeanor, a Town Justice is a community position, so the people sitting in that role need to be known, respected and trusted by the community. The cases that bring people to the Town Court are often of a deeply personal nature that affect everyday life. I am a mother, a volunteer, and a family law attorney of 20 years. Each one of these parts imparts the experience, temperament, and compassion needed to be a Town Justice.

Every aspect of my life makes me the right person for this job.

I am involved with many different areas of the Bedford community. I have been active in the schools since my two daughters who are now almost 12 and 14, were in preschool. I am presently co-president of Fox Lane Middle School’s PTO, parent liaison to Fox Lane High School’s class of 2025, and member of the Parent President Committee. I served as president of Temple Shaaray Tefila after years of chairing the Education Committee and serving on the Board of Trustees.

I drive a Meals on Wheels route for the Town, and am a Bedford COVID-19 volunteer. I chaired Bedford’s Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census and secured a grant for a tablet that was used at the Community Center of Northern Westchester so we could be sure their clients were included in the Census. The committee was comprised of representatives from different groups in the community including: seniors, the libraries, veterans, and the Community Center.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic I also used my legal skills to give back: I volunteered with the New York State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Network to assist people with claims relating to unemployment and pandemic insurance.

I have received 20 endorsements from elected officials and political action committees from local to national levels, all of whom understand the position of Town Justice and what/who it takes to be a good one.

My campaign is and has always been focused on earning the right to serve my community. I believe that my legal experience combined with a deep mutual respect for the people of Bedford makes me the best choice for Town Justice.

Find information about absentee and early voting here: Election 2021: New Systems For Early Voting In Westchester. To find all your candidates, as well as statewide, county and local propositions, follow the links offered by the Board of Elections:

• View the 2021 General Election Candidates List.
• View the 2021 General Election State Propositions.
• View the 2021 General Election County and Local Propositions.