CITY COURT - MAIJA DIXON

City Court is where people who are headed down the wrong path first
touch the justice system. It's generally a court of misdemeanors and
minor infractions, such as small-time drug deals and vandalism.

Maija Dixon, a Democrat, has the background and experience to make a
difference on that bench. She is our choice to replace Judge Roy King,
who is retiring.

Dixon is a lifelong upstate New York resident, with 10 years of
experience practicing civil and criminal law in federal and state
courts. She impressed the Editorial Board with her commitment to
prevent recidivism. Too many young people cycle through City Court
time after time and eventually end up on trial for serious offenses.

In our interview with Dixon, it was clear that she understood the
wisdom in using City Court's successful problem-solving courts, such
as drug court, integrated domestic violence court and mental health
court, to attack the root reasons people commit crime after crime.

Dixon's efforts to raise two sons in a section of the city that is
being touched by the drug trade give her an extra insight into the
traps young people face.

Debra Crowder, who lost the Democratic primary in September and will
appear on the Independence Party line, is not actively
campaigning.

Paul Irving, the Republican candidate, has an impressive background as
an assistant Monroe County district attorney who prosecutes serious
felony cases. We hope he considers running for other judgeships.

In this race, Dixon impressed us the most.