As part of an ongoing series KCP is profiling candidates running in the upcoming Sept. 13 primary elections. Two judges running for an open countywide seat for Civil Court Judge in Kings County are Consuelo Mallafre Melendez and Dena E. Douglas.
Melendez is running as a Democrat for Vacancy #5 in the Kings County Civil Court. Her opponent is Democratic and Reform Party candidate Odessa Kennedy. She has a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University. Currently, she is the Principal Law Clerk for a New York State Supreme Court Justice in Kings County. Melendez was an attorney with the Office of the New York City Corporation Counsel in the Special Litigation and Medical Malpractice Unit of the Torts Division.
Among Melendez’ endorsements include Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Public Advocate Letitia James, Assembly Members Annette Robinson, Felix Ortiz, Walter Mosely, State Senator Martin M. Dilan, and City Council members Laurie A. Cumbo and Robert Cornegy Jr.
Originally from Cuba, Melendez serves as an outreach coordinator for the Puerto Rican Bar Association.
“I came to the United States as a young child with my family searching for the freedoms and liberties that were taken away in the country of my birth. The values and ideals instilled in me as a child in this country still hold true for me. I am committed to public service and am active in local community law day events, health fairs and services providing food and assistance to the needy,” said Melendez.
Melendez says she is running to be a judge to continue to be of service to the communities of Kings County.
“My involvement with the judicial process for so many years led me to seek to join the judiciary. I am equipped with the skills and experiences to make the important decisions that affect the litigants of Brooklyn. I understand Brooklyn’s diversity and even though I may have come a long way from being that immigrant child living in public housing, I do not forget that my struggles are the same struggles affecting the many people of this borough. I will put justice first and give each person the attention and concern they deserve,” said Melendez.
Dena Douglas is running as a Democrat for Vacancy #4 in the Kings County Civil Court. Her opponents are Vincent F. Martusciello who is running as a Republican and Conservative candidate and Arthur L. Aidala who is running on the Reform Party line.
Douglas currently sits on the Kings County Civil Court Bench and is an acting Supreme Court Judge assigned to Criminal Court. She is in her 10th year of service. Before being on the bench, she served as a Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. She was a Senior Trial Attorney for the Department of Justice, Counterterrorism and Assistant District Attorney for Kings County.
“I look forward to continue to serve Kings County. I actively, diligently, and purposefully preside over matters affecting the citizens of this county,” said Douglas.
