Malverne Appoints Successor to Late Judge James Dougherty

Malverne Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald appointed Village Attorney James Frankie to the village justice position formerly held by the late Judge James Dougherty.

McDonald swore in Frankie Wednesday night during the December village board meeting.

Judge Dougherty was serving his seventh term as Malverne’s village justice when he died suddenly on Aug. 17, 2012 at the age of 75. He had dedicated more than 25 years to the village. His widow, Olga, was in the audience for the Dec. 5 meeting to watch Frankie being sworn in. She also lit the village’s Christmas tree Saturday at the Lighting of Malverne.

Replacing Frankie in the position of village attorney is Joseph Gentile, who was also sworn in on Dec. 5 and took his place at the dais immediately after.

The village justice is an elected position, which carries a four-year term. This year's village elections will take place on March 19, 2013.