I strongly believe our county deserves a Judge who is experienced and has the ability to understand the issues from a broad perspective. My 22 years of private practice, coupled with my extensive work as a prosecutor in Family Court, have given me the necessary experience to serve the people of Fulton County as their Family Court Judge. I am a lifelong resident of Fulton County, grew up on East State Street in Gloversville and graduated from Gloversville High School.  My college career started a Fulton Montgomery Community College where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Political Science. I then went to Hope College in Holland, Michigan where I played collegiate soccer and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  I decided to pursue a career in law and in 1992 graduated cum laude from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont. I returned to Fulton County after law school and opened my own practice in 1992. Since then, I have handled a broad scope of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, civil law, personal injury law, boundary line litigation, adoption, divorce, estate matters, drawn hundreds of wills and litigated many different surrogate court matters. Additionally, I have practiced in all levels of court in New York State. For over 15 years I have worked as Assistant Public Defender for criminal matters in Fulton County.  Also, I held the position of Assistant County Attorney for 10 plus years, devoting my time in that position to a range of duties including prosecution of juveniles in Family Court. I married the former Noelle Sala and have three daughters, Emily, Madison and Carly.  My parents, the late William Smrtic and Ann Been Smrtic taught me, along with my brothers, Matthew, Mark and sister Mary Ellen, the importance of family and community. My father was a Fulton County Deputy Sheriff for over 20 years and was Fulton County Clerk for over 18 years. My mother was a school teacher in the Gloversville School District while she tirelessly raised 4 children. I have a number of recreational interests including camping and long-distance bicycling.   Fulton County Family Court Judge is an important position that deserves a candidate who possesses the knowledge and experience I offer. Please consider supporting me in this election.