MOUNT MORRIS — Charlene Finnigan is making history as the first person of color elected as a municipal justice in Livingston County, a milestone she hopes reflects progress and a continued commitment to serving the community fairly.
Finnigan said she was surprised to learn about the historic significance of her election. “I had no idea. It was surprising, but it made sense,” said Finnigan.
Finnigan first experienced the role in the late 1990s when she temporarily filled a vacant justice position. She later ran for the seat but lost the election by one vote.
Before becoming a justice, Finnigan spent many years working as a court clerk, an experience she said gave her a strong understanding of how the court system operates.
“Being a clerk for so many years gave me the advantage of knowing what they do and understanding how the entire process works,” said Finnigan.
A retired CSEA member, Finnigan dedicated her career to public service in a variety of roles. She worked at Groveland Correctional Facility, where she was a CSEA member, and later with the state Department of Taxation and Finance, where she was represented by CSEA’s Rochester State Employees Local. Combined with her years in the court system, those experiences gave her a unique perspective on serving her community fairly and effectively.
That knowledge has also helped Finnigan identify opportunities to improve the court. She researches grant opportunities and funding sources that can benefit the court and the community. Through those efforts, the court has secured funding for upgraded security cameras, equipment and furniture, helping modernize the facility without additional costs to local taxpayers.
Today, Finnigan said fairness and impartiality guide the way she approaches the bench, especially when working with young people who may need support and rehabilitation instead of harsh punishment.
“I try to be fair and just,” said Finnigan. “If there’s an opportunity to help rehabilitate troubled youth instead of just locking them up and getting rid of them, I want to give them that chance.”
Finnigan said her main priority is keeping the community safe while helping make it a better place to live. She added that transparency is also important to her, noting that court proceedings are open to the public.
“All court proceedings are an open forum,” said Finnigan. “Anyone can come in, sit down and listen to the issues and how I handle them.”
Finnigan hopes her legacy will be defined not only by making history, but by serving her community with integrity, transparency and respect.
“Public service means doing the best job possible for the community you serve,” said Finnigan. “That is what I strive for.”
— Sara McNicholas