BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

POTSDAM — Former county assistant district attorney and legislator David Haggard is running on the Democratic Party line for Potsdam town justice in the upcoming election.

Haggard will face retired state police investigator and school resource officer Kenneth “Juddy” Plumb, who is running on the Conservative and Republican lines.

Haggard, also a former county Department of Social Services attorney, currently serves as the town justice after being appointed to the spot in December 2021 to serve out the remaining term of former Town Justice Sam Charleson who retired.

“I am honored and privileged to serve my neighbors, community and fellow citizens as the current Town of Potsdam Justice. I am committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment to all under the law,” the candidate said of his overall judicial philosophy.

Previously, Haggard served as District Attorney Mary Rain’s second-in-command (chief assistant district attorney) for two years before resigning in March 2016, but worked as an attorney for 12 years before. Prior to that he was a vice president of Charter One Bank, overseeing a region from Glens Falls to Watertown.

He was elected to the District 10 seat (which covers the village of Potsdam) on the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators in 2018, but resigned in March of 2020 to take a job as general counsel for the county Department of Social Services.

He served in that capacity until April 2021.

“Presiding as judge over the busiest local court in St. Lawrence County, requires experience,” Haggard said. “As a current Town Justice, former Chief Assistant District Attorney and trial attorney licensed to practice law in State and Federal Courts; I have presided over, argued, prosecuted and tried thousands of cases in Federal, Appellate, Supreme, County, Family and Local Courts. In addition I am a faculty member of the New York State Bar Association Trial Academy where I have shared my experience while teaching young attorneys.”

North Country This Week asked the candidate what he thinks have been the most effective ways of improving court efficiency and procedures.

“The Potsdam Town Court benefits from significant resources provided by the New York State Office of Court Administration, such as case and financial reporting software,” said Haggard. “The resources provided by OCA combined with our experienced and dedicated court staff ensure equal and efficient access to our Potsdam community.”

When asked about obstacles for average citizens to justice under the court system, Haggard highlighted the work of small local courts in settling disputes and providing financial assistance for representation.

“Local Courts provide our communities with excellent access to the New York Unified Court System,” he said. “Small Claim proceedings serve as an affordable way to settle civil disputes. Landlord Tenant cases are cost effective and when combined with Potsdam Town arranged arbitration lead to timely resolution. All criminal defendants unable to afford an attorney are encouraged to make an application for an attorney provided through indigent defense.”

Haggard added that as a licensed attorney he has donated services free of charge to those in need and has provided pro bono legal counsel to non-profits.

When asked about imposing sentences outside of standard ranges, Haggard indicated that as a sitting judge he doesn’t have leeway in this regard.

“As a sitting Judge, I am bound by my Oath of Office to discharge my sworn duty conscientiously with strict adherence to a judicial code of ethics. Sentencing in town and village courts are set by New York State Statutes and therefore require knowledge of and strict adherence to the law,” the candidate said.

Haggard declined to comment on the state’s bail reform law which has drawn a great deal of criticism and the moniker “catch and release.” The attorney cited his need for neutrality while serving as a justice.

“Throughout my life I have sworn an Oath to defend the United States and New York Constitutions, as an Attorney, Chief Assistant District Attorney, County Legislator, United States Army ROTC, and Potsdam Town Justice,” Haggard said. “A judge swears by their Oath to follow the law at all times and to appear at all times to be both a neutral and detached magistrate. Therefore a sitting, as well as a prospective, judge should not and must not comment on specific laws or issues and is so ethically bound.”

The current justice points to his experience as what he would bring to the table if elected to the position on Nov. 8.

“Experience matters. Knowledge of the law matters. Competency matters. As the Potsdam Town Justice I am committed to seeking substantial Justice in each case that comes before me. Never forgetting everyone who appears in my court deserves courtesy, respect and my full unbiased attention. A judge can never forget the court's effect on public safety, while always respecting the rights of victims,” Haggard said.

“I am proud to serve alongside my fellow Town of Potsdam Justice and our talented and experienced court staff. With the support of voters, I pledge to continue public service to the best of my ability with constant fidelity to the rule of law,” said Haggard.