As we wrap up campaign season, I want to thank my wife, Melissa, and children, Henry and Josie, as well as all the volunteers who campaigned with us — and you for giving me the opportunity to participate in our democratic process. Courts are at their best when they are accessible and led by Judges who are fair, impartial, and exercise good judgment. Town Judges don’t have to be lawyers because New York wisely recognizes that good judgment does not belong solely to people who passed a bar exam. However, during my term as Town Justice, I’ve relied on skills developed over more than 15 years as a practicing lawyer.

And while it would certainly feel good to return my opponent’s misleading attacks, that lacks the dignity expected of Judges, and with all the darkness in the world today it would be selfish to add more. Instead of responding to the misleading attacks directed at me, I’d like to share some of the reasons I find being a Judge so meaningful and ask you to consider those instead.

As a Judge, I’m on call for arraignments 24/7, and sometimes we see people at the worst moment of one of the worst days of their lives. Despite those circumstances, I appreciate being a part of a justice system that makes sure each person has their case heard fully and fairly. I also find great meaning in how the justice system can help break the cycles of addiction, mental illness, and criminal behavior that may affect people in our community. As our current clerks can tell you, I take the time to digest the details and monitor cases closely to reach the thoughtful decisions cases deserve.

I also find meaning in doing my part to make sure our cases (100-120 each week) are heard efficiently. About 70% are parking and moving violations, and by starting Court earlier, staggering start times, and using real-time parking technology, we get people in and out more quickly. About 25% are criminal court cases, most of which are handled by a pool of paid defense attorneys. I’ve worked hard to overcome the affinity bias that existed when I took office, and now our pool contains a more diverse mix of attorneys doing their part to make sure cases are heard fairly. The remaining 5% or so is usually made up of landlord/tenant disputes, Village ordinance violations, and small claims cases. These cases are often deeply personal to the parties, and I make sure we take the time necessary to hear and decide them.

I’m also proud of our clean campaign. I was transparent about my endorsements, party affiliation, and modernization efforts. We printed palm cards on recycled paper, shared one lawn sign for multiple candidates, placed our signs primarily on private property, and resisted the urge to pollute every public space with signs. And, all our white lawn signs are biodegradable — another new idea in Pelham I hope we continue because corrugated plastic signs last in landfills for decades. After the election, please throw our signs in the trash so they can biodegrade naturally and keep the metal stands for the next election.

This is my sixth campaign in 12 years (2 terms as Village Trustee, 2 as Deputy Mayor, and 1 currently as Judge), and I’m thankful for this opportunity to meet new neighbors, answer their questions, and hear their valuable perspectives. When you vote on November 7th, please consider my statements, campaign conduct, and the Court’s improvements in the last 4 years, and then vote to continue the progress we’re making.