On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct censured Susan L. Kesick, a Justice of the Ulster Town Court in Ulster County, for contributing to a hostile work environment. The commission’s decision stems from Kesick’s mishandling of a dispute with a court clerk and her inappropriate use of her judicial title in a personal email address.
According to the commission, Judge Kesick agreed to the censure. The issues began in July 2023 when Kesick disputed a part-time court clerk’s right to work overtime. She reportedly acted discourteously and improperly sought police assistance to remove the clerk from the courthouse. The following day, Kesick emailed town officials in an attempt to get the clerk fired and, during a subsequent personnel meeting, disclosed highly confidential information about the clerk.
Additionally, Kesick violated precedents and rules by using a personal email address that referenced her judicial title (“slkjudge@”) for personal matters, including online shopping and bill payments. She has since created a new email address that does not reference her judicial status.
In accepting the censure, the commission noted that Judge Kesick acknowledged her conduct was improper and warranted public discipline and that she has committed to working collegially with court staff.
Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian stated that judges are obligated to be patient, dignified, and courteous toward all with whom they deal in their official capacity and must maintain decorum. He added that judges should not act intolerably as to create a hostile work situation or disclose confidential information in attempting to get a colleague fired.
Kesick, who is not an attorney, has served as a Justice of the Ulster Town Court since 2006, and her current term is set to expire on December 31, 2029.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
