Herzig Names Schwartz

Judge Of Oneonta Court

Succeeding McVinney, He Will Serve With Bernier

ONEONTA – Mayor Gary Herzig announced a few minutes ago he has appointed Attorney Donald J. Schwartz as part-time city judge, succeeding City Judge Richard McVinney, who retired.

Schwartz, who was sworn in this afternoon in City Hall, will preside at the City Court along with Judge Lucy Bernier, who is in her second term as the city’s elected judge.

Past president of the Otsego County Bar Association, the new judge has closed out over 300 criminal cases since 1999 and has extensive civil experience.   He served as a public defender, acting prosecutor, private defense attorney, managing attorney for local Legal Aid Society and a Supreme Court Small Claims Assessment Review hearing officer.

“Don Schwartz brings both the experience and values needed to serve the people of this city well,” the mayor said. “I also wish to thank Judge McVinney for his excellent service to the people of Oneonta as our part-time judge”.

Said Schwartz, “I look forward to serving our community by joining Judge Bernier, Prosecutor Getman, Court Clerk Tisenchek and the hard working staff at Oneonta City Court.”