Ex-council prez appointed municipal court judge

Patel is first minority to serve in position

BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer

Parag Patel Parag Patel EDISON — Former Township Council President Parag Patel is the newest municipal court judge in Edison, after being sworn in on Aug. 24.

With approval from the Township Council, Patel, who was the council president in 2005, was appointed to a three-year term by Mayor Jun Choi.

“It really is an honor to be appointed to a position such as this,” Patel said.

Mr. Patel earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a Master of Law (tax) degree from New York University School of Law, and has practiced law for 15 years.

“I am very pleased and honored to be selected to the judge position. I have always been committed to Edison Township and look forward to serving the community as a judge. I believe my sense of compassion, insight and appreciation of the rule of law developed over 15 years of the practice of law will serve well the residents of the community.”

When asked about being the first person of minority status to be appointed, he said it wasn’t an issue.

“A person’s gender or ethnic background really has nothing to do with matters involving the judicial system,” Patel explained.

Choi explained that Patel’s background was a determining factor in why he appointed him.

“Parag Patel has an excellent record of public service, and he is a very accom- plished attorney,” Choi explained. “He is a very competent leader, uses fair judgment, and I think he will do very well in his new position.”

Patel’s role will be to administer decisions in criminal and municipal cases, as well as incidents involving motor vehicle violations.