To the Editor:

The following was sent to the Morristown Town Council by the St. Lawrence County Deputies Association, Inc.:

It has come to this union's attention that longtime Town Justice James T. Phillips position as judge has been on the table to be cut from the town's budget. Although our union does not know the financial situation of your town, we feel this course of action would not be in the best interest of the county.

As your county sheriff's deputies, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Judge Phillips has given to your town. We feel if Judge Phillips' position were to be cut not only would the hardworking taxpayers of Morristown suffer from the loss of his expertise, but there would be a negative effect to the surrounding communities as well.

Over the last several years when our office has needed to arraign felony arrestees in the middle of the night, on weekends and even holidays, Judge Phillips is one of five judges in this large county who would bring himself out to court without complaint. He has been dependable and reliable in all respects. As a judge he has been fair and forthright, and his years of service lend an expertise that can be matched by only a few. As a judge, he has strongly demonstrated the finest qualities of the office and the criminal justice system.

We applaud the efforts of Town Justice James Phillips as well as Justice Lisa Whitmarsh and hope that the Town of Morristown will consider not cutting either position, and take it off of the table indefinitely.

Sean P. O'Brien, Union President

St. Lawrence County Deputies Association