McArdle officially announces candidacy for Lewis County judge

LOWVILLE — Kevin M. McArdle touted his experience in formally announcing his candidacy for Lewis County judge.

“I am proud to have the experience, the knowledge and the community involvement that make me worthy to serve as your Lewis County judge,” Mr. McArdle, a Democrat who has spent the past nine years as court attorney for Judge Charles C. Merrell, said during a Monday morning announcement in front of the County Courthouse.

“I have practiced law in Lewis County for almost 30 years and, for 20 of those years, I’ve worked inside the courts of Lewis County side by side with the county’s finest judges,” Mr. McArdle said.

Prior to advising Judge Merrell, Mr. McArdle served as county attorney from 1994 to 2002 and represented nine towns and two villages as their municipal attorney. He also previously served as a confidential law clerk for past local judges J. Robert Lynch, John S. Parker and Nathaniel B. Merrell.

“I’ve had a truly wonderful life in Lewis County,” said Mr. McArdle, a West Martinsburg resident. “Lewis County has given me so much, so I want to give back to Lewis County by serving as county judge.”

Republican Daniel R. King, a Lowville attorney and former Lewis County public defender, also has announced plans to run for the post.

The Lewis County judgeship, which also covers Family Court and Surrogate Court, has been vacant since Jan. 1, when Judge Merrell moved up to state Supreme Court.

Mr. McArdle on Saturday plans to hold an initial meet-and-greet tour at four different locations throughout the county. Stops will be made at 10 a.m. at Lyons Falls Library, 3918 High St.; 11:30 a.m. at the old Martinsburg Town Hall on Route 26; 1 p.m. at the former Marilley’s General Store at 90804 Main St., Croghan, and 2:30 p.m. at Harrisville Library, 8209 Main St.