GILBERTSVILLE – A local woman, who has served the public court system for the last 12 years, has announced she may be leaving her position in order to pursue her candidacy for Otsego County Court Judge.

Claudette Y. Newman, Esq., made the announcement Feb. 7. She has served Chenango’s courts providing legal analysis, research and communication services as a law clerk for multiple benches.

“It is because of my desire to serve and make a difference in any way that I can that I became a lawyer. That goal has also led me to many forms of community service,” she said.

Newman said she hopes to be endorsed as the Republican party’s candidate for the position.