The St. Lawrence County Deputies Association is appealing to the Morristown Town Council to keep both town justice positions and not drop one.

In particular, they ask the town board not to drop longtime Justice James T. Phillips after more than 30 years in the job.

“As your county sheriff's deputies, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Judge Phillips has given to your town,” wrote Sean P. O'Brien to the town, in his position as president of the St. Lawrence County Deputies Association.

O’Brien said that although he was not apprised of the town’s financial condition, “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.”

O’Brien also made it clear he and the union were not suggesting that the other town justice, Lisa Whitmarsh, should be let go instead.

“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,” O’Brien said.