Hasin: Electing a judge is about justice

To the editor: My name is David Hasin and I am taking this opportunity to introduce myself to the people of Woodbury. Many residents of Central Valley and Highland Mills are aware of the unfortunate passing of Judge Ed Kellman last summer. Judge Kellman served the people of Woodbury for 34 years as one of the town’s two Town Justices. This year, unlike previous years, both Town Justice positions are up for election. Judge Levinson is seeking re-election and I am a candidate for the other, recently vacated, town justice position. The election of a town justice, as opposed to other local political races, does not involve issues like property taxes, local roads and highways or changes in zoning. Rather, when electing a judge the issue is, and always should be, justice. Can the candidate fairly and effectively administer justice? If elected on Nov. 8, I recognize that I will have a tremendous responsibility to keep the Woodbury Justice Court strong and to help ensure that the court continues to meet its obligation to offer all litigants a fair and equal playing field. Since my graduation from law school in 1992 I have devoted my legal career to the rule of law and the cause of justice. I am a founding partner of the Newburgh law firm of Isaacs & Hasin. Over the past several years I have been fortunate enough to serve the people of Woodbury as attorney for the Woodbury Zoning Board of Appeals. During my tenure as ZBA attorney I have successfully defended many of the board’s decisions in state Supreme Court. My ability to hear disputes between litigants and resolve these disputes fairly is well-established. I have recently been appointed by state Supreme Court Justice Patsalos to hear and determine issues surrounding a civil claim involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Chief Administrative Judge for the Ninth Judicial District has, on many occasions, chosen me to arbitrate civil claims arising in the local city courts. I am currently serving as the chairman of a Matrimonial Fee Dispute Arbitration panel. As a local attorney, I have had the privilege of litigating hundreds of cases in the various Justice Courts up and down the Hudson Valley. My family and I reside in Highland Mills. Over the years, my community activities have, primarily, centered on my children’s scholastic and athletic activities. I have been a coach and a proud sponsor of the Monroe-Woodbury Soccer League. I am a member of the Central Valley Elementary PTA. My law firm was a proud sponsor of the local Girls Softball League. Prior to my service as attorney for the ZBA, I served a full five-year term as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I recognize that no one person can ever “fill Judge Kellman’s shoes.” Judge Kellman’s contributions to the people and Town of Woodbury are immeasurable. However, my pledge to the people of Woodbury is, if elected, I will follow Judge Kellman’s example of impartiality and independence. A commitment to equality for all is what I offer the people of Woodbury. The only issue in this particular campaign is justice, and my promise is a complete and thorough dedication to, what has been referred to as, “traditional American notions of fair play and substantial justice.” I would be honored by your support on Nov. 8. Thank you. David V. Hasin Highland Mills