To the Editor:

I am not usually in the habit of writing a letter in support of one political candidate or another. This year's race for county court judge in St. Lawrence County is extremely important.

I have practiced in county court before Judge Michael Duskas, Judge Eugene Nicandri and Judge Jerome Richards, as well as before numerous Acting County Court Judges.

I have also practiced in Potsdam Village Justice Court when Nicole Duve' was the Village Justice. I found Nicole to be thorough, prepared and well-versed in the applicable law. Her greatest judicial quality, though, is her willingness to listen and treat each defendant as an individual. In one case, the Probation Department's conditions would have prevented my client from playing golf because golf courses serve alcohol.

My client did not have an alcohol problem. Judge Duve's solution was practical: You can play golf, but not drink alcohol at the golf course.

During the course of this judicial campaign, it appears to me that the Second Amendment gun rights have become a hot-button issue. Recently, I appeared on a pistol permit revocation hearing before the Honorable Tatiana Coffinger. Nicole took the time from her busy schedule to observe an experienced judge's procedure in handling the hearing. Nicole puts in the additional effort to be a great jurist. Nicole has the experience and work ethic to be our next county court judge.

I have had an unrestricted concealed carry pistol permit since December of 1981.

I have no concerns whatsoever that Nicole Duve' will do anything to interfere with my permit. Nicole will correctly apply the law when it comes to pistol permit applications or revocation hearings by treating every instance individually based on the unique facts of that particular case. Numerous innuendos and falsehoods should have no place in this judicial election.

Please join with me, by absentee ballot or on election day, to vote Nicole Duve' as our next county court judge.

Charles B. Nash

Canton