Editor, The Spotlight:
As I conclude my term as Town Justice, I would like to share some thoughts with our community.
I was appointed in February 2013 by the Town Board to fill the vacancy created by the death of Hon. Mark Jordan. While I regret the circumstances leading to my appointment, it was a privilege to serve as one of your town justices.
I thank the Town Board Members (Joann Dawson, Kyle Kotary, Jeffrey Kuhn and Bill Reinhardt), Supervisor John Clarkson and Town Attorney James Potter for undertaking a selection process, not based on politics.
I thank my colleague, Ryan Donovan for graciously welcoming me to the bench. While Ryan was the senior judge (in an arena where seniority does count) he rejected all attempts to be referred to in that manner, conceding only that he was the taller judge. Tall he is, both in stature and as measured by his commitment to treating fairly all who appeared in his court.
I wish my successor, Andrew Kirby, with whom I have been collaborating in the transition process, the same enjoyment and fulfillment I experienced.
In my career as an Assistant District Attorney and criminal defense attorney, I have always appreciated the work of police officers. That has been enhanced by my witnessing your police department in action. They are a professional group, and I have seen them go out of their way numerous times to help an individual whose appearance in court was not a result of malice, but, rather, of unfortunate life circumstances.
I have also been impressed with the telecommunicators (dispatchers) who are your first line of help when you call the police department or for emergency services. They are very talented individuals, whose acquaintance I got to know, often times, in the middle of the night.
One of the more difficult jobs in the criminal justice system (especially one that is as historically underfunded, and with a “part time” legacy, as exists in Albany County) is that of the public defense attorney. I acknowledge Louis Neri and Steven Lydon of the Public Defender’s Office, and John Spencer and Elena Vaida of the Alternate Public Defender’s Office for their commitment to their clients despite very difficult circumstances.
I also appreciate the service of prosecuting attorneys Thomas Newman, on behalf of the Town, and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Manley.
I especially wish to thank (and, truly, last is not least) the amazing staff of the Bethlehem Town Court: Chief Clerk Karen Creed, Tracie Roberts, Holly Weddell and Linda Yates. They make the court operate efficiently, not only during court sessions but with what they endlessly do behind the scenes. They are incredible public servants. Many attorneys, who have appeared in courts throughout the area, have told me that our staff is the best. Judge Donovan and I can unanimously affirm that verdict. Thank you ladies. It was a pleasure working with you and I will miss you.
We are adjourned. Thank you.
Michael Katzer,
Bethlehem