To the Editor:

Being a Family Court Judge is a tough job under the best of circumstances. It is particularly difficult here in St. Lawrence County given the issues that so many of our families face as well as the often massive caseloads that the Family Court Judge has to manage. Sometimes, a judge is confronted with decisions where there is no good choice, but rather only the least bad one. This makes the job emotionally difficult for everyone involved, and having a judge with the best combination of training, experience, work ethic, empathy, and temperament is crucial.

This is also why choosing our next Family Court Judge should not be based on party affiliation, but rather on who would best serve families in crisis in St. Lawrence County. The decision is far too important to simply choose a candidate because they are a Democrat or Republican and several of those who have weighed in publicly for a candidate so far appear to have done so simply because a candidate has a “D” or an “R” next to their name.

I practiced daily in Family Court in St. Lawrence County for nearly a decade. During that time, I appeared on behalf of my clients before multiple Family Court Judges and Support Magistrates in courtrooms in Canton.

I have also had the pleasure of working professionally with each of the candidates running for Family Court Judge at different points during my career. Both candidates are honorable men who would try to do the right thing as a judge.

However, based upon my personal observations of both candidates as they did their work, and my understanding of the demands of the job, the candidate who will best serve our families and the children of St. Lawrence County is Alexander Lesyk. Alex’s training, strong work ethic, extensive on-the job experience, as well as his concern for our families and children, make him the best candidate for the job. I would encourage voters to elect him in November.

Jondavid DeLong
Potsdam