NEW SCOTLAND — One of New Scotland’s two town judges is mounting a campaign for a seat on the surrogate’s court.

Margaret Adkins, an attorney who was first elected as a town judge in 2003, will run on the Republican line in this November’s election for Albany County surrogate.

The surrogate’s court handles the proceedings for wills and estates as well as adoptions and guardianship.

“It’s the place where people’s last wishes are heard,” Adkins said of the court’s importance.  Many people will never appear in a criminal court, but most people will come before the surrogate’s court, she said.  “Everyone is touched by it.”

Sitting on the town court “prepares you in respect for the law and people coming before you,” Adkins said of her experience over the last six years.

She is the GOP endorsed candidate and doesn’t expect a primary challenge, Adkins said this week.  Cathryn Doyle, the sitting judge, who is a Democrat, did not return a call regarding her intent to run for re-election to the 10-year post.

“I do love being a New Scotland town justice,” Adkins said.  If she wins in November, she will give up her seat on the town court.  Of seeking the seat, she said, “If I don’t do it now, I don’t think I’ll do it ever.”