To the Editor:

First and foremost I write this letter to thank Judge Sam Charleson for his service to the Town of Potsdam. It has been my distinct pleasure to have served with him in the Potsdam Town Court for the last 15 plus years.

Judge Charleson has served the citizens of Potsdam well. He has sat on the bench with pride, fairness, integrity and most of all compassion. He has had a true commitment to justice and fairness. I have known Judge Charleson since we were teenagers. But in the last 15 plus years I have come to know him on a different level. He will be greatly missed, by myself and the staff of the Potsdam Town Court.

Second, I wish to thank all those who supported me in the last election and the four previous elections. It is also my pleasure to serve Potsdam in this capacity for my fifth and most likely my final term. Potsdam is a great community, a great place to live, work, raise a family and as a life-long resident. I am grateful for the support of its citizens. I look forward to the next four years on the bench.

Thirdly, I would like to thank the staff at the Potsdam Town Court. It is, in large part, because of their capabilities and extreme work ethic that the Potsdam Town Court runs as smoothly as it does. Their support is invaluable to me and our successes.

Again thank you to all.

Hon. James A. Mason
Potsdam