With the new year upon us, newly-elected officials are taking the reins at the Federal, State and Local levels. And with every new official comes the replacement or retirement of another.

Here in Broome County, one exemplary public servant retired from twenty years service:  Binghamton City Court Judge William Pelella. 

During Judge Pelella’s tenure, I’ve uniquely experienced firsthand the criminal justice system; from the office of the prosecutor, from the view of the defendant, in the eyes of the advocate, and from the rhetoric of campaigns and elections. 

I write with the utmost certainty, Judge Pelella has been a generational leader in Broome County and the City of Binghamton.  

Numerous organizations throughout the country publish lists and essays about what makes a good judge; phrases like “experience”, “integrity”, “open-mindedness” and “temperament” are often thrown around.  There could not be a truer description of Judge Pelella – in this case reality; not rhetoric.  I’ll add one more word to that list – not often used to describe judges:  courage.  The courage to do what’s right.

In addition to presiding over criminal and civil cases, Judge Pelella also ran Drug Court for nearly two decades.  During that time, our nation was ravaged by the opioid epidemic; Broome County wasn’t spared by increased drug use, addiction and overdose deaths.  In fact, Broome County experienced a record number of arrests and deaths related to drug use – rates per capita among the highest in the nation.

Before resources arrived in Broome County to more adequately address addiction, Judge Pelella worked to change and save lives – both from the bench and as the proverbial boots on the ground.  Without Judge Pella this bad situation would’ve been a hell of a lot worse.  

Many outgoing elected officials express the hope they impacted some lives; in the case of Judge Pellella, he didn’t just impact “some” lives – that number is in the thousands. I’ve seen it, I’ve experienced it, I’ve lived it; Judge Pelella, one remarkable man, on a mission to leave our community better than he found it, has had an immeasurable impact, directly and indirectly, on our entire community. 

Although Judge Pelella has earned a happy retirement, I know he’s not done yet, and will continue to find ways to serve and help those in need. 

Thank you Judge Pelella – you didn’t just make a difference – you were the difference. 

-Jim Worhach

Town of Union, NY