Diane Pineiro-Zucker is reporting for the Daily Freeman that Saugerties Town Judge Claudia Andreassen has agreed to resign mid-term, effective September 30, following a more than two-year investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. According to a press release from the commission, at various times over the past two years, Andreassen was told the commission was investigating, “a total of six complaints against her, among other things.” The commission was especially concerned about Andreassen’s allegedly “adversarial relationship” with town police. She was also accused of being “discourteous toward” and making “disrespectful comments about court staff and courtroom spectators,” according to the release. The commission said Andreassen also “attempted to effectuate certain staffing decisions without involving her co-judge or the town board,” “violated various prohibitions on campaign activity by judges,” and “failed to maintain professional competence in the law.” Andreassen, a Democrat, agreed to resign and never to seek or accept judicial office at any time in the future, according to a September 2 agreement. The agreement was signed by Andreassen, her attorney Deborah A. Scalise, and the commission’s administrator. Asked to comment on Andreassen’s apparent adversarial relationship with police, Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra said in an email, “My only comment in this matter is that the documents provided speak for themselves." Andreassen is a former Ulster County probation officer, but not an attorney. She served as town judge since she was appointed in 2012. Her current term would have expired on Dec. 31, 2024. In a written statement, Andreassen said, “...I was tired of trying to do the job that I was elected to do and having to deal with the constant interference and intrusion by the town’s executive, legislative bodies, and appointees. All of whom were attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary. I no longer have the energy to correct inaccuracies. I just want peace.” In a statement, Robert H. Tembeckjian, commission administrator, said, “...The multiple complaints against Judge Andreassen were serious, and her permanent departure from the bench was appropriate.” Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.