[Video]Pelham Officials Appoint New Town Justice

Pelham residents should start getting used to hearing the name John Gardner anytime they pass by town court.

Earlier today, the Pelham town board appointed Gardner as the town’s new justice. Gardner is filling in for Stephen Huff, who stepped down from the position earlier this month due to undisclosed health issues.

Huff has served more than years and was just beginning his 10th term as justice at the time of his resignation. Gardner will serve out the rest of Huff’s term this year and must run for another four-year term in November if he wants to continue serving as justice.

“I have a great deal of respect for Judge Huff and what he’s done for this community for the last 35 or 36 years,” Gardner said. “When I heard that he was stepping down because of health reasons, I thought it would be my opportunity to step in and try to contribute to the community as well.”

Gardner, who is 50, with a wife and four children, has lived in the Pelham for 13 years. He worked as an assistant district attorney for Westchester County from 1986 to 1993. During his stint in the county District Attorney’s Office, Gardner worked in the special litigtaion division, handled court assignments in Yonkers and was assigned to the felony trial bureau.

Since 1993, Gardner has held a private practice specializing in real estate, probate, criminal litigation.

Gardner has also been actively involved with the Pelham Little League, youth soccer and the travelling baseball and basketball teams.

“His qualifications, I think, speak for themselves,” said Peter DiPaola, the Pelham town supervisor.

DiPaola said Gardner was chosen from a group of six candidates who stepped forward.

“It was a good processs,” DiPaola said. “Everyone who wanted to be heard was heard, was interviewed and talked to. Then, we made our decision.’’

Dipaola said Gardner's swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled sometime in the near future.”