Election 2023: Hugh Gee seeks reelection as Town of Lewiston justice

Submitted on behalf of the Hon. Hugh Gee

Twenty-five years ago, when the Hon. Hugh Gee announced his candidacy for Lewiston town justice, he announced his commitment to the fair but firm application of the law.

Since that election to his first term, he has continued to build on that claim. He has taken pride in his accomplishments both on and off the bench, using a wealth of community and civic experience.

He is pleased to announce his candidacy for a seventh four-year term as Lewiston town justice.

ln previous elections, Gee was endorsed by the Republican, Democratic, Conservative and Independent parties.

Keeping on track with the constant changes in New York state laws, sobriety limits, bail reform, and sentencing guidelines, Gee has completed more than 24 years of advanced judicial training with the New York State office of Court Administration. ln addition to his continuing education, Gee has been the judge of record on over 10,000 cases while presiding over hundreds of trials. These cases encompassed felony murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and family issues. He has also presided over nonviolent issues, regarding vehicle and traffic, fishing and wildlife, village and town codes, and domestic pet violations.

He and his co-judge, the Hon. Thomas J. Sheeran, have conducted DWI awareness programs at Lewiston-Porter High School, educating students regarding "Zero Tolerance" laws that pertain to underage drinking and driving. This included a victim impact panel discussion of the sadness and loss of loved ones as a result of one's decision to drink and drive.

While serving as a judge, Gee and Sheeran continually adapt the operations of court to make it efficient and time sensitive for the people required to attend court. Lewiston Town Court is widely recognized as a model of efficiency and effectiveness for the way town courts should operate.

While serving as Lewiston town justice, Gee has served as president of the Niagara County Magistrates Association and past president of the Judges and Police Executives of Niagara County. He also serves as a New York state delegate to the National Magistrates Association, where he advocates for the rights of village and town justices.

As a member of the New York State Magistrates Association, he served on the board of directors, mentoring newly elected judges that were starting their first term. Gee is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, Moose Lodge of Lewiston, Niagara Falls Country Club, and serves as vice president on the board of directors for the Legal and Business Professionals of Niagara County.

Gee has been married to the former Claire Robinson for 43 years. He has two sons, Hugh Jr., who graduated from James Madison University; and Brenden, who graduated from Niagara University. He also has seven grandchildren.