With Judge John M. Kuzdale stepping into his new position of city court judge, Mayor Willie Rosas was left with the decision to fill his former position as acting court judge.

At Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, Rosas announced his appointment of Rachel Roberts to the position.

Roberts, an attorney with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s office, ran on the Democratic, Republican and Independence lines in the September primary. However, she was beat on each of these lines by Kuzdale and Joseph A. Price.

Despite not having her name appear on the November ballot, Rosas said he was approached by her about the acting judge position long before the election.

“Rachel was the first to contact me to express interest in the appointed acting judge position back in March. I know her, she lives up the street on Central Avenue from me and she has kids. She knows our area and our community and I believe she’ll do a good job. I think she is fair and impartial and that was important to me in making this appointment,” Rosas explained. “… There were several others, without naming names, who expressed interest in the position. They were all more than qualified, but I chose Rachel because I believe she’s the best candidate.”

Rosas said she started in her new role on Jan. 12.