top of page

The Duties of Elected Officials

For a quick local perspective on the separation of powers...  here is an overview of some state / local offices and their job duties and responsiblities:

Governor of New York

  • Is commander-in-chief of the state's military and naval forces.

  • Is able to call a special session of the State Senate or State Assembly.

  • Ensures that the laws of New York State be faithfully executed.

  • Approves or vetoes bills which have passed the State Senate and State Assembly.

Attorney General of New York

  • is the head of the state Department of Law.

  • is the chief legal counsel to the state government.

  • serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York.

Comptroller of New York

  • Administers the NYS and Local Retirement System.

  • Acts as sole trustee of the $160.7 billion Common Retirement Fund.

  • Maintains the State's accounting system and $15 billion payroll.

  • Manages and reports on the State's finances and assets.

  • Is responsible for ensuring that the taxpayers' money is being used to promote the common good.

Justice of the Supreme Court of New York

  • Hears civil matters seeking monetary damages over $25,000.

  • Hears cases in which an enjoinder or stop action order is sought.

  • Hears cases related to termination of marriages, including instances of separation, annulment, and divorce.

State Senator of New York

  • Represents the interests of the people who live in his or her elective district.

  • Introduces and votes upon bills based upon the interests of his or her constituents in the State Senate.

  • Serves on various committees to improve conditions for specific causes statewide.

Member of the Assembly of New York

  • Represents the interests of the people who live in his or her elective district.

  • Introduces and votes upon bills based upon the interests of his or her constituents in the State Assembly.

  • Serves on various committees to improve conditions for specific causes statewide.

County Executive

  • Is the administrative head of the county government.

  • Has supervision, direction, and control over governmental functions of all administrative units of the county.

  • Works with the County Legislature to govern the affairs of the county.

County Family Court Judge

  • Hears most cases involving youths between 8 and 16 years old who are charged with offenses that would be crimes if committed by adults.

  • Hears cases involving child custody, adoption, determination of support payments, and the paternity of children.

  • Deals with all types of family disputes except the termination of marriage which, as mentioned above, is handled exclusively by the Supreme Court.

County Surrogate Judge

  • Hears cases involving the affairs of the deceased, including the probate of wills and estates.

  • Hears cases relating to the guardianship of the person and/or property of minors, mentally retarded, and developmentally disabled persons.

  • Is, in conjunction with the State Supreme Court, involved with the jurisdiction of conservator-ships.

  • Is, in conjunction with Family Court, involved with the jurisdiction of adoption proceedings.

County Sheriff

  • is the top law enforcement agent for the county.

  • is responsible for managing the Broome County Correctional Facility.

  • handles summonses, income and property executions, evictions, and subpoenas.

County Legislator

  • Is a member of a legislative body representing a specific district of the county in government.

  • Has legal/legislative power and control over finances of the county government.

  • Works with the County Executive on legislation to govern the affairs of the county.

City Mayor / Town Supervisor

  • Is the administrative head of the municipal government.

  • Has supervision, direction, and control over administrative units of the municipality.

  • Works with the City/Town Council to govern the affairs of the municipality.

City Councilman / Town Councilman

  • Is member of the legislative body overseeing municipal government.

  • Has legal/legislative power and control over municipal law and finances.

  • Works with the City Mayor/Town Supervisor on legislation to govern the affairs of the municipality.

bottom of page