Experienced and qualified

Homer Town Justice and longtime local attorney Randolph “Van” Kruman is running for Cortland County Judge in this year’s election. He is a Republican. This judicial seat will be on the ballot due to the pending retirement of Judge David Alexander. If elected, Kruman will be no stranger to the courtroom or role; he has served as Judge Alexander’s Court Attorney for the past six years.

“A County Judge is one of the most important positions in our legal system, having a direct impact on thousands of Cortland County residents’ lives every year. The individuals who appear in the courtroom deserve to come before a Judge with experience, knowledge and integrity,” said Judge Kruman. “I’d be honored to earn the voters’ trust to serve in this position.”

As Court Attorney since Judge Alexander took office in January 2018, Kruman has been closely involved in every aspect of the proceedings that occur in County (criminal) Court, Family Court and Surrogate’s Court. He regularly manages proceedings that include felony jury trials, review of Grand Jury presentations, and Family Court settlement conferences.

Since 2022, Judge Kruman has also presided as the elected Town Justice in Homer Town Court. In this role, he conducts misdemeanor jury trials and preliminary felony proceedings, and adjudicates vehicle/traffic and other minor matters.

“There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the serious matters that are handled in County Court. This is not a position for on-the-job training,” added Judge Kruman. “My experience working on serious cases in Cortland County Court every day, combined with my judicial experience as Homer Town Justice, have prepared me well to serve as your next County Judge.”

During the course of his career, Judge Kruman also spent many years in private legal practice handling a wide variety of matters. He notably served for decades as an Attorney for the Child in matters of neglect, Family Court and matrimonial actions. Early in his career, Judge Kruman spent several years working at the Cortland County Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Kruman was born and raised in Cortland County, and he and his wife, Corinna, raised their three children in Homer. Kruman is a graduate of Homer Central Schools, SUNY Cortland and the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchberg Law Center, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Cortland County Bar Association. 

The General Election will be held on November 4, 2025. Early Voting and Absentee Voting will be available.