Letters

My name is Barbara L. Wilson, and I am asking for your vote in the Democratic, Conservative and Working Families primary. Early voting has already started at the Stony Brook Southampton Campus Student Activity Center, and voting at your regular location will on Tuesday, June 22.

I am running for the position of Southampton Town justice. This is a primary vote for the town election, and all registered voters in the Conservative, Democratic and Working Families parties are eligible to vote. In other words, all registered voters in these parties will make the choice, not just the party leaders and a few committee people.

A judge is a nonpartisan position — I am not a politician; my oath is to uphold the law, not any political party’s agenda. I seek to ensure justice for all.

A judge is not only permitted but expected to accept a party line, to avoid any appearance of impropriety or partiality. In fact, there is currently some discussion regarding having judges appointed to avoid these conflicts.

Currently, without primaries, a few hand-selected committee members and the party leaders chose the candidates and make the deals for cross-endorsements. I am giving you the choice — and that is exactly why this system for selecting judicial candidates was implemented.

With over 30 years of courtroom experience, I have the experience, integrity, independence and impartiality that are required for this position. I am involved in our local community and have been honored for my mentoring skills with our youth.

I graduated from Suffolk County Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice, and from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in Black studies and in social sciences. I earned my law degree at Touro Law School and am admitted to the New York and Connecticut bars.

I was recently honored by my colleagues by being selected as president of the Suffolk County Chapter of the New York State Magistrates Association.

Please elect me to continue serving as your justice. Please visit friendsofbarbarawilson.com to learn more.

Thank you for your time in reading this letter — I would be honored to have your vote.

P.S. Due to a production issue at The Southampton Press, my ad did not run in the Western Edition last week. I thank The Press for acknowledging the problem.

Barbara Wilson

Southampton