Thursday, April 17, 2025
Andrew Goldsmith is a third generation Cedarhurst resident who was raised in the village. He has served as the village justice for 12 years and is up for a fourth four-year term unopposed. A graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, he has previously served in the appointed position as associate village justice for nine years. Goldsmith and his wife, Yaffa, have six children and seven grandchildren nearly all of them live locally.
What does a village justice do and why are you running again?
The village justice’s job is to make sure that every defendant gets a fair hearing. In our village we have a unique mix of populations including very long term residents and lots of newcomers. Understanding everyone’s perspective is important in making sure that justice is administered fairly and impartially. The court does not write the tickets dealing with parking violations, village offenses (like zoning) and traffic offenses or create new rules. Those are issued either by the village inspectors, the police or, in the case of rules, by the village trustees. With that said it is important to recognize that while the court is completely independent of the village we all work to maintain the quality of life in our neighborhood.
It is a great privilege to be able to give back to the village in my role at the court. Former Mayor Andrew Parise asked me serve more than 20 years ago and I have had the pleasure ever since. As a third generation Cedarhurst resident I think I bring a unique perspective on the Village and its residents.
What do you consider to be your greatest challenge?
Teenage drivers. Parents need to understand the terrible risk they take with their children’s lives when they give a 17-year-old a car. The leading cause of death in this country among teens is car accidents and we see the most tragic outcomes all the time. In my court if you’re a teenager and you are convicted of a moving violation your license will be suspended. I do offer alternative sentencing with the participation of the parents — namely the parents agree to take the car away, the teenager pays the fine and the driver writes an essay (usually 5000 words) on the dangers of teenage drivers. It’s a lot more effective than a simple fine or points on a license. I just want to keep everyone safe and out of harm’s way — at the end of the day that’s the entire purpose of traffic violations.
What has been your favorite moment over the years?
My favorite moment is when someone leaves the court understanding what they did could be dangerous to themselves or others and with the commitment not to do it again. At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. Alternatively there’s usually the opportunity for humor in court- most people end up paying a fine but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it as well.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 18. Village residents can vote at Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Ave. Cedarhurst. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
