Letters

November 2, 2008
To the Editor:

Running as a candidate for City Court judge on the same ballot lines as Barack Obama and Kirsten Gillibrand is as exciting as it is humbling. The offices we seek are so many worlds apart, yet the outcome of each race is vital to every individual in this community.

For my part, I have spent the past several months seeking as much information and insight as I can from the people who have the most knowledge of the important role the City Court plays in the life of the city: Assistant prosecutors and members of the public and private defense bar, retiring Judge Mills, and the remarkably dedicated staff at the Prevention Council, to name just a few.

At the other end of the spectrum, I have had the pleasure of campaigning door-to-door and speaking with hundreds of people who may never set foot in City Court, but who nevertheless care about whether the court remains a place where everyone's equality before the law is assured.

I've also made an effort to talk to new city residents, many of whom are becoming involved in the political process for the first time. Of course, that included a visit to the Skidmore campus, and I can easily say that watching the presidential debates with a room full of students was perhaps the most fun I've had during the campaign. It was truly inspiring to see so many young men and women so passionate and outspoken about this election. We also talked about how my many years of experience in both criminal and civil law, and my appellate practice, would help guide me in making sound decisions on the city bench.

In so many ways, this community has helped shape my professional and personal life for the better. Over the past decade and more, I have tried to give something back. Sometimes this meant taking action when I thought our quality of life might be compromised.

During my four years as city attorney, I tried to make a difference from the inside looking out. This campaign has provided me with an opportunity to broaden my understanding of what is so special about this community and the people who bring its neighborhoods to life. And so it is with the deepest sincerity that I can say it would truly be an honor and a privilege to serve as your next City Court judge.

Jeffrey D. Wait, Esq.

October 8, 2008
To the Editor:

On Nov. 4, Saratoga Springs will elect a new city judge. There are two contenders for this important position. One candidate, Jeff Wait, possesses a vastly superior resume to his opponent, Matt Dorsey. Not only has Wait practiced law and served as city attorney for twice as long as Dorsey, but he also has nine years of experience as a trial lawyer in the criminal justice system. In comparison, Dorsey has no experience in the criminal justice system and virtually no track record as a trial lawyer.

These aren't flowerily words, but realities that can easily be fact checked. Equally telling is the fact that Dorsey's nomination results more from his political connections than his judicial qualifications. This isn't just idle chatter.

Prior to Dorsey's selection, Saratogians of all political stripes fully understood that his opponent for the nomination was eminently more qualified. Yet, the party bosses chose Dorsey. He clearly knew what side his bread was buttered on. This qualifies him for being a successful politician, but not a judge.

Unlike Dorsey, Jeff has been tested in the "court of public opinion." He wasn't handed the nomination on a silver platter; he earned it.

As an individual who supported his primary opponent, I saw first hand how Jeff's hard work and ability to listen to and understand citizens' concerns resulted in him becoming the party's nominee. I can personally attest to Jeff's effectiveness in converting nonbelievers. He proved that he possesses the personal qualities of a great judge.

Judgeships shouldn't be partisan entitlements. In this vein, it must be noted that no member of Jeff's party has ever been city judge. What better time to balance the scales, when both qualifications and judicial impartialness favor the same individual. If you're a thinking voter, Jeff Wait is your best choice.

Albert Ormsby
Saratoga Springs

September 1, 2008
To the Editor:

This fall’s election for City Court Judge will determine the quality and integrity of our local judiciary for the next ten years. Whoever we choose must have extensive legal experience as well as a firm commitment to equal justice. I urge Democrats to vote for Jeffrey Wait in September 9’s primary, and for all Saratogians to support him in November.

Electing judges is a strange business. In our democracy, we choose who presides over our city court, but candidates run with the support of partisan political organizations. Jeff Wait is the only candidate for the judgeship who has widely attracted supporters from all political persuasions. His campaign committee includes people on both sides of the currently divided Democratic Party, and his yard signs also appear on many Republican and independent voters’ lawns. I can’t think of a better emblem of the impartiality with which he will serve as a judge for us all.

In addition to his integrity, though, Jeff has extensive experience in both civil and criminal law, and in the kinds of cases over which he must preside as judge. He knows the local judicial system thoroughly. He also brings two terms of crucial government service as city attorney under mayor Ken Klotz, and therefore has experience representing all of Saratoga Springs impartially.

I am excited at the prospect of having a city court judge with both Jeff’s credentials and his commitment to justice and fairness. A vote for Jeff Wait on September 9 is a vote for preserving the integrity of our city judiciary.

Sincerely,

Jay Rogoff

September 1, 2008
To the Editor:

Registered Democrats and members of the Independence and Working Families Parties have the opportunity to place an outstanding candidate for City Court Judge on the November ballot by voting for Jeffrey D. Wait in the September 9 primary.

Jeff was city attorney in Saratoga Springs during my administration, from 2000-2003, and did an absolutely fabulous job. He is, first of all, good-humored, even-tempered, and capable of dealing effectively with people from all walks of life.

He is also incredibly hard working: he knows how to manage a complex array of tasks and keeps his cool under pressure.

Jeff is a problem solver, decisive, intelligent, fair-minded, and dedicated to the community: ideal qualities for the next city court judge.

I strongly urge my friends and supporters to go to the polls Sept. 9 and cast their votes for Jeff Wait.

Kenneth Klotz

August 31, 2008
To the Editor:

Saratoga's Democratic Party needs to come together to elect quality candidates this November. Lifelong Saratoga Springs Democrats and newcomers need to put aside their differences and work for the common good.

Jeff Wait is an excellent choice for Saratoga Springs City Court judge. He listens, communicates and has the ability to compromise. As newcomers, we have had the pleasure during the past five years to get to know Jeff, his character, his values, his intelligence and his credentials. Jeff's experience as the Saratoga Springs attorney under Mayor Klotz, as the Deputy Counsel for the New York State Board of Elections and as a member of the Law Guardian Panel in Saratoga County, fully qualifies him to become the City Court judge.

Jeff is committed to Saratoga Springs and wants to see that decisions about people are made because it is the right thing to do. We strongly believe Jeff would make an outstanding City Court judge and would help unite the Democratic Party in Saratoga Springs.

Mike and Rita Fischer

 

July 9, 2008
To the Editor:

This fall's election for Saratoga Springs City Judge is an important contest for our city, and I am proud to be running for the position. Therefore, I am writing to thank the many hundreds of people who joined in the process and signed a petition for me to be on the ballot this September 9th, primary day. I had the opportunity to introduce myself to many of you personally, and the words of support and encouragement were certainly gratifying. I look forward to meeting many more of you as the primary election draws near. Equally deserving of thanks are the dozens of people who went door to door carrying petitions for me. It was only with their dedication and hard work that we were able to reach out to all of you. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to visit my website, at www.jeffreywait.com, where there is information about my personal and professional accomplishments and about how to contact my committee: I think you will find that my 20 years of legal experience, and my personal dedication to the quality of life in this community, make me the most qualified candidate. And of course we also hope to hear from anyone who may have questions or who would like to volunteer to work on the campaign.

Very truly yours,

Jeffrey D. Wait