Cortland County Democratic Committee Announces Nominations to Fill Vacancies – Need Confirmation by Common Council

The Cortland County Democratic Committee has announced three nominations for vacancies in the City of Cortland Court and County Legislative District 5, which is in the City of Cortland. All nominations will need to be confirmed by the City of Cortland Common Council during tonight’s meeting at 6pm in City Hall.

The Democratic Committee has nominated Lawrence J. Knickerbocker for Cortland City Court Judge. If confirmed, Knickerbocker would fill the position left vacant by Judge Burns as she was appointed by the Governor to the Court of Claims. Judge Knickerbocker was already the part-time City Court Judge.

If Judge Knickerbocker is confirmed, the Committee has also nominated Ron Walsh to serve as the part-time City Court Judge.

For the Cortland County Legislature, the Committee has nominated Kristin (Kris) Valentine Behnke. If confirmed, Behnke will fill the vacancy left by Susan Wilson of the 5th Legislative District. Wilson resigned at the end of June due to a potential job conflict.

“Behnke has stated she looks forward to continuing Susan Wilson’s solutions- based approach to legislating, and as a working parent with two young children at home, bringing a new and unique perspective to the legislature. Behnke is the former Youth Programs Manager at Cortland Repertory Theater and has worked at Cornell University since 2022.”

The Cortland County Democratic Committee said in a release.

Both Knickerbocker and Valentine Behnke will be on the ballot for the General Election in November as their appointments are only good through the end of year.