To the Editor:

There is no more important choice for St. Lawrence County voters in this November’s election than County Judge. Judges serve 10-year terms, which is an eternity when it comes to government, courts and politics.

The good news is that voters really have an easy choice for judge if they think about it for a few minutes. Greg Storie is clearly the person we need sitting on the bench of our county’s highest court.

His history is one of growing up on a farm, working hard, going to college, then law school. He has been a lawyer for decades and has also served as a judge in local court. He is actively working in courts as a practicing attorney, not some administrative position.

That work doesn’t allow him to campaign full time because he has a job to do representing his clients and supporting his family, but he is dedicated to achieving his goal of being our judge. Still, he does spend many hours travelling around the county, meeting citizens, and asking for their support on Election Day.

I had the pleasure of listening to Greg Storie at a meeting recently where he explained his credentials, his love for law, his admiration for and adherence to the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He does not feel that 21st Century judges should interpret and limit the personal freedoms guaranteed to us by the Founding Fathers.

In short, he will not impose his personal feelings when it comes to court rulings and carrying out administrative obligations like issuing unrestricted carry conceal pistol permits for citizens who are responsible and of good character.

But the most impressive thing I heard from Greg Storie the other day was his clear, concise explanation of complicated legal principles when responding to questions from those of us present at the meeting.

His deep knowledge of the law and how it should be applied with fairness and justice was obvious.

There are no epic professional failures in his background. No political/legal baggage and no skeletons in his closet. Greg is a serious attorney who is ready to apply his experience and depth of knowledge to his work for the citizens of St. Lawrence County.

He is not part of the good old boys and girls who have controlled our courts and rights for decades. Thankfully, none of them have endorsed him. His is a clean slate. He will breathe fresh new life into the stuffy St. Lawrence County Courthouse.

Following the law and serving the citizens who pay government’s bills will be his top priorities.

I urge you to join me in supporting Greg Storie for St. Lawrence County Judge. The time is right. Let’s do this.

Joseph Gray

Massena