Jennifer Whalen in The News

COLONIE, N.Y. – The campaign of Jennifer Whalen for Colonie Town Justice today announced the endorsement of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who praised Whalen’s record of leadership, independence, and commitment to justice.

“Jennifer Whalen is exactly the kind of leader Colonie needs on the bench. She is fair, dedicated, and compassionate, and she has spent her career standing up against corruption, waste, and abuse while making government more accountable. Jennifer’s legal expertise and proven record of public service make her uniquely qualified to serve as Town Justice, and I know she will uphold the highest standards of fairness and integrity in the courtroom. I am proud to endorse her for Colonie Town Justice,” said Senator Gillibrand.

Senator Gillibrand and Jennifer Whalen share deep roots in the Capital Region. Both grew up locally and are alumnae of the Emma Willard School, where they forged values of leadership and service that have guided their careers. Senator Gillibrand recently joined Whalen for a fundraiser in Colonie and will appear with her again at a campaign event in New York City on November 2.

Whalen currently serves as an Albany County Legislator and previously as a Colonie Town Councilwoman and New York State Assistant Attorney General. Over the course of her career, she has built a strong record of fighting corruption, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. Known for her independence, Whalen is not beholden to political interests, but to the people of Colonie.

“My entire career has been dedicated to putting people over politics and standing up for what’s right,” said Whalen. “Through my public service, I’ve had the privilege of listening to and learning from residents across our town. I have my finger on the pulse of Colonie, and as Town Justice I will ensure our community’s values are reflected in the courtroom.” 

While Colonie has a long history, women have rarely been represented on the bench. Only two women have ever served as Town Justice, and Whalen is determined to change that by bringing greater balance, perspective, and representation to the court.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. For more information, visit www.jenniferwhalenforcolonie.com.

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.”