BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

POTSDAM — Longtime Town Justice Sam Charleson has decided to step down from the post.

The town board accepted his resignation letter at their meeting on Sept. 14.

His resignation is effective Nov. 30.

“It has been a distinct pleasure to serve as justice for the last 14 and half years,” Charleson writes in his resignation letter. Charleson said he was fortunate to serve under three different town supervisors during his service.

“I leave with no regrets and every confidence that the amazing staff that I leave behind is 100 percent ready for anything that may arise,” he said.

Charleson credited the court staff with the complicated take over of the village court system into the town and praised fellow Town Justice James A. Mason for his service to the community.

Charleson said it is now time for him to enjoy time with his wife Elaine and his family of five, and his ten grandchildren.

“Justice Sam Charleson served the Potsdam community admirably for many years,” Town Supervisor Ann Carvill told North Country This Week. “He handled court matters professionally and enthusiastically. Sam took pride in his position and respected his obligation to the public to apply the law fairly and to treat those before him with dignity. His leadership at the Potsdam Court will be missed.”