A LETTER FROM JOEL GINGOLD OPPOSING THE ELIMINATION OF VILLAGE COURT & MUCH MORE...

To the Editor,

Let me begin by saying that I am unalterably opposed to the elimination of the Croton Village Court and its transfer to the Town of Cortlandt. I also oppose the wasting of tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on a consultant to review this issue, which I thought was resolved several years ago. My feelings on these matters were conveyed directly to the Village Board.

However, of equal concern are the reports that the Croton Democratic Committee, in its infinite wisdom, has unceremoniously dumped Sam Watkins as the Democratic candidate for Village Justice in favor of one Ali Jaffery.

I have never met Mr. Jaffrey and cannot comment on his background and qualifications to serve as justice. But I do know that, during last year’s village campaign, Mr. Jaffery, as the Croton Dems are wont to do, publicly spread unsubstantiated, damaging rumors about one of the candidates who dared—dared— to oppose the ruling Democrats. A highly partisan action and one inconsistent with the temperament we want for our judges. While Mr. Jaffery is certainly free to express his opinion, we want and need judges who will be evenhanded and unprejudiced for or against anyone who appears before them. As an expressed partisan, how are we to assess a decision Mr. Jaffery might make in favor of a member of the Croton Dems, even if the evidence supports that decision? There would always be that lingering doubt. How fair and unprejudiced, actually, was the judge?

Now I am told that Mr. Jaffery was selected by the “Committee.” But does that “Committee” reign supreme in making such nominations? Apparently so, as I have been a registered Democrat since 1959 and no one on that “Committee” has ever asked my opinion on any candidate or, for that matter, on any issue.

Sam Watkins has served our community honorably as Village Justice for decades. I do not recall any instance when partisanship played any role whatsoever in his treatment of those appearing before him or in the decisions he has made. I have attended Justice Watkins court and can only attest to the fairness and equity of his decisions. While Sam is no longer young, I have seen nothing that would indicate that his ability to perform at a high level was the least bit impaired.

Sam has publicly opposed the elimination of the Village Court, which is another reason to support his candidacy. Mr. Jaffery reportedly favors such a change. Why, you might ask, does someone run for a position that he desires to eliminate? I can’t answer that one, but it strikes me that Mr. Jaffery might better have run for Town of Cortlandt Justice.

So, I shall support Sam Watkins for Village Justice as long as he expresses an interest in that position. Whether he obtains another party’s endorsement or runs as a write-in candidate, I will vote for him, and I strongly encourage you to do the same.

Croton deserves its own justice and one who is not tainted by the evils of partisanship. That is Sam Watkins.

Sincerely,

Joel E. Gingold