Patricia O'Callaghan Is Running For Harrison Town Justice 2019

This Patch article is sponsored by Patricia O'Callaghan.

Patricia O'Callaghan is running for the 2019 Town Justice elections in Harrison, New York. Learn more about O'Callaghan's experience, priorities and upcoming events in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: Tell us a bit about yourself and your campaign.

O'Callaghan: My name is Patricia O'Callaghan. I am an attorney running for the Town/Village Justice position in Harrison, New York. I became a candidate in January 2019. The Town Clerk and Town Justice are both considered non-partisan positions.

My campaign committee is called People for O'Callaghan and it is run by staff and volunteers from all areas of Harrison and all walks of life.

Patch: How long have you lived in Harrison?

O'Callaghan: I am a long-time resident of Harrison and a life-long resident of the Sound Shore. I grew up in a family of nine children which gave me a lot of experience on how to navigate the world and get along well with people. I always wanted to be a lawyer and went to law school at night while working full-time and being a mother to two small children.

Patch: Can you tell us more about your career and service in Harrison and Westchester County?

O'Callaghan: I have served in government and done volunteer work for almost 30 years and I love being in public service. I was the director of the STOP-DWI program for Westchester County, then an assistant County attorney in the Family Court Bureau of the County Attorney's Office. There, I prosecuted child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquents. I spent years in the courtroom handling high volumes of cases. I rose through the ranks to become the Deputy County attorney of the Family Court Bureau which was the largest Bureau in the Law Department. I supervised 28 attorneys practicing in three courts: Yonkers, New Rochelle and White Plains. I was also a consultant to the Department of Social Services and credited for starting the Child Fatality review team which investigates child fatalities. I am former Chairwoman of the Westchester County Board of Ethics and am currently the Deputy Director of the Solid Waste Commission. We investigate fraud in the Solid Waste and recyclables industry in Westchester.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?

O'Callaghan: My volunteer experience includes the Harrison Holiday project, the Zoning Board of Appeals in Rye, the Board of the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the Board of My Sister's Place. I was also a volunteer facilitator for grieving children and families at the Tree House.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

O'Callaghan: My career has been a constant learning experience and I have enjoyed my entire career and all of the colleagues I have been lucky enough to know and work with. The most satisfying part of my job is when we see an investigation through from beginning to end and have a successful case. The best piece of advice I've been given was by my husband who always told me to stay positive and not sweat the small stuff-just keep putting one foot in front of the other and really get to know and enjoy people. Passion and perseverance win every time.

I am dedicated to my career and enthusiastic about Harrison. Our court system is an important institution and I am looking forward to being part of it. I will be a fair, impartial Judge and one that maintains the dignity appropriate to Judicial Office.

Patch: Anything else we should know about you?

O'Callaghan: If I were elected I would be the first woman Justice ever in the Town of Harrison. It is so exciting and fun to be part of the Democratic process — nothing could be more American. I'm hopeful that we get a big turnout from voters of all parties for the November 5th election. I am honored to ask people for their vote.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about you and your campaign?

O'Callaghan: You can find out more about me and my campaign on my website or send us an email.