The Peru Gazette

The Family Court of the State of New York was established to take action in the lives of children, parents, and spouses. Family Court has jurisdiction in such areas as abuse or neglect, adoption, child and/or spousal support, custody and visitation, domestic violence, foster care, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, paternity, and persons in need of supervision (PINS).

Amy Asadourian Senecal and Hilary Rogers seek the Clinton County Family Court Judge position. Asadourian Senecal is running under the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. Hilary Rogers is running under the Republican and Conservative Party lines.  The Peru Gazette posed the same two questions to each candidate.  (Please Share) 

Amy Asadourian Senecal

1. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family, and past community and professional involvement.

       I was raised in Plattsburgh, New York, one of three daughters of JoAnne and Ara Asadourian. After graduating from Plattsburgh High School in 1984, I graduated from Williams College in 1988 and Boston University School of Law in 1991.   I was admitted to practice law in 1992; and, am currently the Magistrate hearings support and paternity cases in Clinton County Family Court.  

      My husband, Tim Senecal, and I were married in 1994 and we have two adult children; Kelsey and Mitch Senecal.   Tim, an MAI graduate, has been employed with Diebold for thirty-six years and works in banks and credit unions throughout the north country.   We raised our family in Plattsburgh, with the kids having the fortune of being surrounded by grandparents and extended family. Both Kelsey and Mitch graduated from Plattsburgh High School and both have now from college.  Kelsey lives in Detroit, MI and works for the Detroit Lions; and Mitch is a physical education teacher working and coaching locally. 

      After graduating from law school, I returned to Plattsburgh and joined the law firm of Asadourian & Johnston, PC where I remained for nine years.  During my time at the firm I practiced a variety of areas of law including a concentration in family law. 

     In 2001, I accepted a position as the Court Attorney in Clinton County Family Court, a position I held for over eighteen years. In 2019, I  was appointed as a Magistrate in Family Court, and continue in that position today hearing and determining  paternity and support cases.  

       In addition to being a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh Noon Rotary), my community involvement  includes having served on the board of directors at BHSN, Mountain Lake PBS, the Plattsburgh YMCA and CVPH Medical Center; as well as, volunteering with the PHS Booster Club.

2. What unique qualities or experience do you possess that would enable you to excel as a Family Court judge? 

     In my capacity as the Court Attorney in Clinton County Family Court I was involved extensively in every aspect of every type of case heard in Family Court.   I was a member of the planning committee for the establishment of the Clinton County Family Treatment Court and continued as a team member throughout my tenure as the Court Attorney; and, I was also on the planning team for the Clinton County Integrated Domestic Violence Court.   During my almost two decades as the Court Attorney,  amongst my other responsibilities, I conferenced and facilitated resolutions in thousands of the cases heard in Clinton County Family Court.   As a Magistrate I have settled or determined thousands more.    

        Ultimately, in the vast majority cases heard in Family Court, the issue before the Family Court Judge is determining what is in the best interests of the children who are impacted by the Judge’s decision.  I would ask the voters to consider my experience and knowledge gained over thirty years devoted to family law as they decide who to vote for as their next Clinton County Family Court Judge.  

Hilary Rogers 

1. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community and professional involvement

Education: Juris Doctor (Albany Law School); Bachelor of Science in Human Development (Binghamton University)

Primary Employment: I am currently the Chief Assistant Public Defender for Clinton County, where I represent individuals who are charged with crimes and supervise a staff of fifteen, including attorneys, investigators and support staff.

I have been married to my husband, Jesse, for thirteen years. We have two daughters, ages 9 and 11. My parents are Mary Jane and Larry Stanley from Keeseville.

Past and Current Community/Professional Involvement: Committee on Character and Fitness, Appellate Division: 3rd Dept.; Clinton County Imminent Risk Committee: Governor’s E 203 Oversight Committee Chair (City of Plattsburgh); Public Safety Review Panel (City of Plattsburgh); NYS Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Clinton County Bar Association; Zonta Club of the Adirondacks; Saranac Modified Softball coach; local community youth sports coach. 

2. What unique qualities or experience do you possess that would enable you to excel as a Family Court judge?

I have an extensive record of helping children, having worked as a prosecutor handling crimes against children and as an Attorney for the Child in Family Court. As a trial attorney, I have first-hand experience working with and advocating for families, which has given me the necessary compassion and temperament to be your next Family Court Judge. As the only candidate that has served in multiple capacities in the judicial system, I have an understanding of how families outside the courtroom are affected by decisions made within. I am committed to running the courtroom in an efficient and compassionate manner to minimize the stress and trauma for the children and parents and reduce instability to the family environment. I will bring compassion, fairness and respect to the Family Court.