Town of Potsdam residents will have the opportunity to choose between two compelling candidates for town justice this year. I am pleased to be able to share my experience with incumbent Justice Samuel Charlson over the last 8 years as an attorney appearing in his court.

I am a lifelong Potsdam resident who has appeared before him both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney since 2010. I have experience with many judges ranging from the federal court to numerous local justice courts.

In my experience with him, I observed Judge Charleson to be the embodiment of what many of us consider appropriate judicial demeanor. Empathetic and kind, yet always firm and professional, Justice Charleson possesses the unique ability to leave everyone in a dispute, even the losing side, feeling as though they have been listened to and treated respectfully.

Working with Justice Charleson over the years, I have been able to witness first hand his dedication to the protection of victims and the community, as well as his ability to keep a contemplative, open mind while judiciously weighing all the facts from a disciplined and objective point of view.

Though he has a background in law enforcement, neither prosecutor nor defendant has any unwarranted advantage before Justice Charleson. Whether you come to court in an expensive suit with a high-priced lawyer or whether you show up after your shift with ‘hat head’ and dirt under your fingernails, you will be treated with the same firm respect by the justice.

Nor is he cowered by attorneys or overly impressed with degrees; he runs his courtroom in accordance with the law as he understands it and everyone gets a fair hearing.

Justice Charleson’s approach to jurisprudence reflects his close ties to the community, family and the realities of the working and middle class in the North Country. His first priority has always been defending the Constitution. He always believes in the rights of the victim but never forgets the rights of the accused.

Based on his resume, experience, character and integrity, I believe incumbent Justice Samuel Charleson is the most enlightened choice for justice of the Potsdam Town Court. That is why I will be casting my vote for him on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Benjamin G. Johns

Potsdam