Jennifer Whalen in The News

A recent press release from the Colonie Democratic Committee details a ruling by Acting NYS Supreme Court Justice Kimberly O’Connor, who rejected the Town of Colonie’s appeal in the Padric Moore case and condemned the Town’s filings as “offensive and inappropriate.” 

The case stems from 2024, when Colonie Town Court Chief Clerk Mary Falace illegally barred attorney Padric Moore from making court filings. Moore successfully sued Falace and the Town, receiving over $21,000 in legal fees and costs. Despite this and past findings of misconduct, Falace remains in her $80,000+ per year role, with taxpayers now also covering more than $4,600 in outside legal fees for the failed appeal. The Colonie Democratic Committee has called for her immediate removal, citing the need for a professionally run Justice Court.

Jennifer’s Statement:

“Mary Falace must resign her position as Chief Clerk of Colonie’s Town Court and be barred from holding any position within the town’s judicial system. This past week Supreme Court Justice Kimberly O’Connor ruled that the Town of Colonie and its highly paid outside counsel should no longer defend the inappropriate actions of Chief Court Clerk Mary Falace.

In 2024 Falace illegally prohibited attorney Padric Moore from making filings in Town Court. Moore successfully sued Falace and the Town of Colonie. He was awarded attorney fees and costs totaling over $21,000. Falace was represented by former Town Attorney Guy Roemer.

In 2025 the Town of Colonie retained a private firm to appeal the award. Justice O’Connor rejected the appeal citing, among other factors, the ‘offensive and inappropriate nature’ of the documents presented by Colonie’s newly retained lawyers. 

As of August 12, 2025, Colonie’s taxpayers have paid outside counsel over $4,600 to defend Falace’s irresponsible conduct. This is in addition to the award already given to Padric Moore.”