TOWN OF ULSTER – The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) has recommended censuring Ulster Town Court Justice Susan Kesick for creating a hostile work environment and misusing her judicial title in personal matters, according to a recent decision.

The commission found that Kesick, who has served as a town justice since 2006, acted inappropriately during a dispute with a part-time court clerk in July 2023. Kesick was cited for being discourteous, improperly seeking police assistance to remove the clerk from the courthouse, and later urging town officials to terminate the clerk’s employment. She also disclosed confidential information about the clerk during a personnel meeting, the commission said.

Additionally, the commission determined that Kesick violated judicial conduct rules by using a personal email address referencing her judicial title for private business, including online shopping and bill payments. Kesick has since created a new email address that does not reference her position.

Kesick, who is not an attorney, agreed to the censure and acknowledged her actions were improper. Her current term as justice runs through Dec. 31, 2029.

“Judges are obliged to be patient, dignified and courteous toward all with whom they deal in their official capacity,” Commission Administrator Robert Tembeckjian said in a statement. “They must maintain decorum, not act so intolerably as to create a hostile work situation or disclose confidential information in attempting to get a colleague fired.”

The commission’s proceedings began with a formal written complaint served to Kesick in March 2025. Following an agreed statement of facts, the commission accepted the proposed sanction of censure in January 2026.


Original article
Add as a preferred source on Google