How to resolve AdBlock issue? Ellwood “Woody” Sloat, Jr.
Running for Malta Town Justice
Q: What would you say qualifies you for the position of Town Justice?
Sloat: I have 35 years of experience working with the Town Justice system. The Justice court handles traffic tickets, minor criminal offenses and small claims up to $3,000. Throughout my career I worked with the courts on a daily basis and as the State Police Director of Training, it was my responsibility to ensure that all of our personnel had an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the laws and procedures specific to this court. Small claims and evictions were matters that the citizens needed to be advised on routinely and our troopers receive extensive training in order to do that. Availability is also a critical qualification for a Town Justice. I am retired and can fulfill the 24/7 availability requirement without delay.
Q: What is your motivation for running for this office?
Sloat: I reached age 60 in 2012 and entered mandatory retirement last December. I am still very energetic and have a tremendous desire to continue working in the criminal justice system and contribute to our local community. I feel like it is a natural progression of my life and career to take this next step into the justice court system. I have dedicated my time in the past to raising my two daughters. They are now mature adults, and I can focus all of my passion and energies into the justice court. I have a wealth of experience to offer and the town needs a full time justice who does not have a young family or employment conflicts.
Q: What can you bring to the position that you don’t think is already there?
Sloat: This is a difficult question to answer. The current justices are outstanding jurists and the court clerk staff is an experienced, hardworking and dedicated group of employees. I will bring a fresh vitality to the office along with contemporary criminal justice exposure from my statewide assignments, but until I experience the position, I don’t think it is fair to enter with any predispositions.
