Attention: Editor
Recently, the Wellsville Regional News Network published an
article in which it noted that there will be a September Primary for Town
Justice in Andover. I appreciate the
interest in this election. The ability
for discussion, deliberation, question and comment is guaranteed to us under
the United States Constitution and its first 10 amendments known as the Bill of
Rights.
What I would have appreciated is the opportunity to have
been interviewed for that article. The reason?
I might be able to shed some light on why a person who lives in Scio is
the Town Justice in Andover. It’s not
because someone didn’t want the job.
Someone did and was duly elected to that position.
The problem is you don’t just get elected to a Justice
position and start holding court. The
days of Judge Roy Bean are long gone. In
brief, today you need to attend a school, study and pass an exam. The person elected was unable to complete the
school and was denied the ability to hold office. As it was too late for a replacement under
the election law the Town was in a pickle.
They did try to find someone that they could appoint to hold office and
this is where your article is correct.
No one did step up – at that time.
The understanding was that the law the Town enacted was a temporary
measure. When and if someone from
Andover wanted that job, who was qualified to serve and could pass muster with
the State of New York – Mr. Ames would step aside.
Some 17 years have now passed and memories are faded. The
fact is that I have previously informally discussed this topic with Jim and I
was under the impression that he would step aside if I chose to run for office.
It’s apparent that something or someone has influenced his decision to seek re-election. It’s also apparent that he did not gather any
signatures from any resident of Andover.
Others took that matter into their hands and did the job for him. I went
door to door. He did not.
Personally, I like Jim Ames.
I don’t want to hurt or deny him anything. I’m a tax paying resident of
Andover and I have a right to seek that office.
The people of Andover have a right to consider one of their own for that
position.
In my capacity as Village Justice I’ve had the opportunity
to work with Jim. His paperwork is
excellent, he’s a great communicator and he’s a qualified Judge. The fact is I have the time to do this job. I
am also a qualified Judge and I am in good standing with the State of New York.
I like what I’m doing and I feel I can be an asset to the Town. My paperwork is submitted correctly and,
thanks to computers, is also excellent – and – as stated above: I live here, pay taxes here and vote here.
Jim Ames does not.
Due to the terms and conditions of my employment I have not
sought this office – until now. I have
the time to dedicate to this position and will do my best to serve the people
of Andover as best I can.
To the People of Andover:
Residency does count! I would appreciate your support on Primary Day,
Tuesday, September 12, 2017.
Sincerely yours,
Steve Heckman
Andover, New York
