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Catherine Cahill: Experience on the bench

Publication: The East Hampton Press
By Beth Young   Oct 28, 2009 1:23 PM
East Hampton Town Justice Catherine Cahill has served for 16 years, and during that time, she said she has helped to shepherd the court through many changes.

Ms. Cahill, 57, is a former East End prosecutor in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office who was first elected to her current position when Tony Bullock was town supervisor. She studied anthropology and worked with her mother as a social worker in New York City before getting her law degree from Pace University.

“I love my job. I feel that I am very productive in my job. I have a good grip on the criminal justice system,” she said. “In 16 years, the Justice Court system has grown exponentially. It bears absolutely no resemblance to when I came on. The number of felonies and... more

I respect and admire Justice Cahill as well. However, I think that her description of the Justice Court being a "synthesis of precision" and that there isn't anyone who has a viable complaint about the operation of the Justice Court defies logic and reality. I hear these complaints and suggestions on a daily basis from litigants, community members and practicing attorneys. My candidacy is about bringing these issues to our community conscience and implementing change in the way we run our system. ...more
By Andy Hammer (5), Springs on Oct 13, 09 1:44 PM
2 members liked this comment
Mr. Hammer, I have to agree with the other poster - it is quite inappropriate for you to use this article's comment board as a campaign tool. Doing so shows extremely poor judgement.
By yearrounder (208), Southampton on Oct 28, 09 3:09 PM
I will add my voice to those that say you used poor judgment, Mr. Hammer
By fcmcmann (417), Hampton Bays on Oct 28, 09 4:00 PM
Thank you for you precise comments. I think it bears explaining that a "calendar" when used in relation to a court is an inclusive term that deals with court operations, not just scheduling. So my reading would be shared by many practicing attorneys (perhaps limited to that particular day I would grant you) but perhaps somewhat technical in application. I will take this into consideration for any future comments. Thank you.
By Andy Hammer (5), Springs on Oct 20, 09 4:18 PM
Mr. Hammer, I believe it is quite inappropriate for you to use these boards as a political tool. We come here to read ABOUT candidates from an unbiased source, not from the candidates themselves. Perhaps you should use your own website to make comments.
By peoplefirst (771), Southampton on Oct 28, 09 3:01 PM
I see nothing inappropriate about Mr. Hammer sharing his views on this blog - I think it is an important way for people to understand what his views are and why. These boards are used as "political tools" every day! Who are you guys trying to kid?! Andy Hammer's scholarly knowledge of the law and even temperment would serve us well as a Justice. And I agree with him that there should be more respect for people's time in that Court - ever been there for a measley traffic ticket? Torture.
By Board Watcher (432), East Hampton on Oct 28, 09 4:27 PM
This article is meant to present Catherine Cahill as a candidate. Mr. Hammer also has an article representing him as a candidate. Why in the name of God would he chose to use this forum to argue policy? It is inappropriate.
By fcmcmann (417), Hampton Bays on Oct 28, 09 5:58 PM
And if Ms. Cahill uses Mr. Hammer's article to argue policy I will call her out on it as well.
By fcmcmann (417), Hampton Bays on Oct 28, 09 5:59 PM
Please look at other stories. There are other candidates also posting by name and picture on this thread. Besides, why not hold candidates to what they say? And who better to do it than their opponents. You get a chance tp critic the opponents statement, as you have. It actually takes some guts to put your face and thoughts on this site and open yourself to anonymous, biased responses.
By eastend09 (43), east hampton on Nov 1, 09 11:16 AM
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