Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s alumnus, is running for Civil Court Judge in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing fairness and transparency in the judicial process.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s alumnus, is running for Civil Court Judge in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing fairness and transparency in the judicial process.
With a commitment to serving the community and addressing biases within the system, Dachtera aims to create a more equitable environment for all residents.
With the election for Civil Court Judge just weeks away, Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s University alumnus, is campaigning for a position that he believes will allow him to serve his community with fairness and integrity. The election is set for November 5, and Dachtera, running with the Republican Party, is determined to bring a fresh perspective to the bench, addressing pressing issues within the judicial system and fostering a more equitable environment for all.
Born into an Italian American family, Dachtera’s journey has been shaped by a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to public service. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he pursued a law degree while working as a mortgage consultant, focusing on real estate. His early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference in his community. From a young age, Dachtera was drawn to the idea of teaching and engaging in constructive dialogue, which eventually led him to a career in law.
“I’ve always loved arguing and wanted to do something more in court,” Dachtera explained during a roundtable with the Queens Ledger.
He believes that judges often arrive at their decisions with preconceived notions. His candid observations reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability within the judicial process. Dachtera argues that judges should prioritize fair evaluations over personal biases, an ethos he intends to bring to the bench.
“I want to serve the community of Queens and to be fair,” Dachtera said.
Dachtera emphasizes the importance of a judge’s role in civil disputes, particularly those involving contract disagreements and boundary issues. Dachtera’s legal philosophy centers on the belief that “the law is written a certain way,” and it should be applied without bias.
“My job is to interpret the law the way it’s written and apply equally to you, you or you, no matter what your political beliefs are,” he said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
With a commitment to serving the community and addressing biases within the system, Dachtera aims to create a more equitable environment for all residents.
He aims to demystify the judicial process for everyday citizens, ensuring that they understand their rights and the legal avenues available to them. A significant part of Dachtera’s campaign is focused on addressing the perception of favoritism within the judicial system.
“A big problem is judges favor people,” he emphasized, vowing to break that toxic chain.
He aims to foster an environment where every individual, regardless of their background or financial means, receives an equal opportunity for justice.
“I’m color and ethnicity blind,” he said, emphasizing that his commitment to fairness transcends personal beliefs and societal pressures.
“I value my faith, so to me, I want to be fair to everyone. I don’t care if you’re Jewish, if you’re a practicing Muslim, I don’t care,” Dachtera said. “To me, my boss is the man upstairs. That’s who I report to. So when I go to sleep at night, I want to make sure that I treated people fairly.”
Dachtera recognizes the challenges faced by the Queens judicial system, particularly regarding the increasing backlog of cases. He has been actively engaging with local civic associations, including the South Ozone Park Civic Association, to discuss the judicial system’s impact on residents.
His approach to the position is rooted in the belief that he doesn’t submit to anyone but the law, while leaning toward principles that align with fairness and integrity.
As an alumnus of St. John’s, Dachtera also holds a strong sense of responsibility toward maintaining traditions, both in education and in the broader community. He believes that preserving the legacy of institutions like St. John’s is essential to fostering a sense of identity and purpose among new generations.
Tom Principe, a partner at Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore, first met Stephen Dachtera during a lecture at St. John’s in 2012, and they have since connected at various Queens Bar Association events, sharing a passion for St. John’s basketball. Principe praised Dachtera’s pro-bono work and his experience as a housing court attorney, noting that he is “very attuned to the community.” He emphasized that Dachtera embodies the values of St. John’s, stating, “Service to others — he fits that to a ‘t,’ besides being a delightful man.”
“Stephen impressed me right from the start. He’s very dogged, he just keeps at it,” Principe said. “He’s got a delightful personality — that’s why I think he’d be a terrific judge, he treats people with dignity and respect. I’ve never seen him raise his voice or get angry with anyone. He’s a natural for the civil court. We need good candidates to run, Republican or Democrat, and he certainly fits the bill.”
Dachtera’s vision for the role of Civil Court Judge extends beyond simply adjudicating cases; he aims to be an advocate for the community. He believes that judges should be approachable figures who take the time to understand the nuances of each case.
“I like to take my time with people and cases,” Dachtera said. “All that matters is are they telling the truth on the stand?” Dachtera said. “No one should not be judging based on political beliefs.”
As the election date approaches, Dachtera is focused on communicating his vision to voters. He aims to ensure that Queens residents understand the role of a Civil Court Judge, which often involves resolving everyday disputes that affect their lives.
“I’m always going to be giving you a fair shake,” Dachtera said. “One, because I owe it to you as a human being. And two, because I don’t care about playing politics, because, as I said, my boss is God. When I sleep at night, all I’m to say is, these people came before me, I gave them a fair shake.”
In a political landscape often marred by division, Dachtera’s message of unity and fairness resonates deeply with voters seeking change. With his unique background and dedication to the community, Stephen Dachtera wishes to bring a fresh approach to the Queens Civil Court. Voters will have the opportunity to support him on November 5, as he strives to become a judge who truly listens and serves the people of Queens.
