On June 23, Democrat Nicole Duve is primarying Republican Greg Storie for the Republican, Conservative, and Independence Party lines for St. Lawrence County Court Judge. Ms. Duve is already assured a place on the Democratic Party and Working Families Party lines, so if she wins the three primaries, she will have no opposition in November, and the voters will have no choice.

Republicans and especially Conservatives should be aware that Bernie Sanders has praised the Working Families Party as "the closest thing there is to a political party that believes in my vision of democratic socialism." Working Families is constantly pulling the Democratic Party more and more to the extreme left (not that it needs pulling) and has recently called for the defunding of the police in New York State. The party was also a strong force in bringing about the so-called bail reform enacted earlier this year. A consequence of this supposed reform has been that after being arrested, rioters, vandals and looters are immediately released to resume their criminal activity.

Another issue voters should take into consideration is that of pistol licenses. Ms. Duve states on her website that she supports the 2nd Amendment and feels that the recently-revised pistol license policy in SLC has merit and should continue; but at the same time she stresses that she will take into account "individual facts and circumstances" when making a "determination in accordance with the governing law, as written."

The "Carry Concealed Information Sheet" issued by the county during former Judge Jerome Richards' tenure read: "Penal Law Section 400.00.2(f) sets forth a type of pistol license that allows a licensee to 'have and carry concealed...when proper cause exists for the issuance thereof.' 'Proper cause' has been held to mean that the license applicant must demonstrate 'a special need for self-protection distinguishable from that of the general community...'"

So the question is, when Ms. Duve makes her determinations in accordance with the governing law, as written, will applicants and licensees be required to establish "proper cause" in order to be granted or to keep a license without restrictions?

A judge's interpretation of the 2nd Amendment and the scope of its protections will normally be in accord with his or her more general political philosophy regarding a citizen's rights and freedoms, which philosophy tends to be in harmony with the values of the party or parties he or she identifies with.

Kevin Beary

Colton