To the Editor:

Since 2015 Nicole Duve has been my successor as principal law clerk to the St. Lawrence County judge. During my tenure I served for 29 years. In that role I served first under Hon. Eugene L. Nicandri, then after his retirement, under Acting County Judge Hon. Kathleen Rogers, and lastly as law clerk to County Judge Hon. Jerome J. Richards.

The principal law clerk is a confidential advisor to the county judge. He or she researches and writes draft opinions for the judge, and meets with prosecutors and defense attorneys to try to resolve issues. I also reviewed and prepared draft decisions for all appeals to county court from Ogdensburg City Court and from all the town and village courts in St. Lawrence County. County court handles civil as well as criminal cases.

In the course of my work I saw and reviewed Nicole Duve’s work as Potsdam Town Court judge, as assistant district attorney, as a defense attorney, and as district attorney. I also worked with Nicole during her service as principal law clerk to Hon. Robert G. Main in Franklin County.

Without hesitation I can tell you that Nicole is highly qualified to serve as county judge. She is honest and has a sincere commitment to equal justice under the law. She has unquestionable integrity.

Please elect her as county judge this fall.

Stephen J. Easter, Esq.

Retired Principal Law Clerk to St. Lawrence County Court