I am writing out of concern of what is taking place in one of the political races this November, namely that of state Supreme Court justice. The Supreme Court in New York state is the place where citizens and organizations bring their disputes to be settled; therefore any person may find themselves appearing in this venue. It is not a criminal court.

The position of Supreme Court justice, by the New York Constitution, is open to any candidate in the 11-county Fourth Judicial District, there being 13 positions in all. It is therefore theoretically possible for all 13 justices to be from, say, Newcomb.

Fortunately, there has been a long-standing "gentlemen's agreement" that each county will have a resident justice who will make the services of that court available to the local populace and firms even if that is a small or less-populated northern county.

There seems to be a breach of that agreement in this year's race. The current justice who resides in Essex County is being challenged by a newcomer from the southern part of the district. Furthermore, if this move is successful the next time a position in one of our less-populated counties becomes available, the same scenario will repeat itself. Then by extension, eventually all our justices will be from the more heavily populated Albany area and all of us will be traveling to that area for settlement of our civil disputes.

Because our judicial district is so large, many of us who vote either ignore that contest or vote the "party line," not being familiar with the candidates.

I would therefore urge each voter in this judicial election, and future elections, to educate themselves as to the candidates' residences and vote for a qualified local candidate, without regard to party affiliation.

This year I urge you to vote for the local incumbent, my brother and a well-respected, fair, effective jurist — Judge Jim Dawson of Elizabethtown, Essex County.

Jack Dawson

Champlain