To the Editor:

It is my pleasure to write this letter to support Nicholas Pignone for Surrogate Court judge of St Lawrence County. I have known Nicholas for a number of years now and I believe that he would be an outstanding judge.As residents of this community, we would be fortunate to have him serving as judge.

Nicholas has a solid background for this judgeship position and him being an attorney for the last seventeen years gives him the experience to make him an ideal candidate. Not to mention five years of experience as a judge, he knows well the Appellate Division and is currently the Associate Court Attorney for the family court. I have had the pleasure of working with him as a MHLS attorney.

However it is not just Nicholas legal experience, it is his personal qualities that give me confidence that he would be a great judge. It is his work ethic and family values, his passion for the profession and his compassion for all those involved that define him as truly exceptional. Nicholas is someone with true integrity. I have firsthand knowledge of how tirelessly he works, how his compassion can influence lives and how dedicated he is to this community.

Nicholas is a leader, his experience as a veteran and bringing awareness to veterans affairs speaks volumes.Nicholas will fight to bring a much needed veterans court to St Lawrence County.Nicholas was first appointed as a Potsdam village Judge for five years. He also worked in Alaska as well as Senior Attorney for the Appellate Division of third department. Yet his humble nature makes him someone easy to talk to, down to earth and really is someone for the people!

Aida Arias
Interpreter for the State of NY
Gouverneur