To the editor:

I’m writing in support of the candidacy of Julie Garcia for Supreme Court justice of the Fourth Judicial District.

I have known Julie as a sophomore in my English class at Moriah Central High School in 1978. She was an intelligent, capable student who showed great promise, especially in her public speaking and debating skills, qualities necessary for the position she seeks.

I support Julie in her candidacy because she is still intelligent and capable, as demonstrated by her accomplishments since she graduated high school in 1981 and Albany Law School in 1999.

Julie has shown a consistent and focused commitment to public service and a strong desire to make the legal system work for the better. After her admittance to the bar in 2000, she represented clients throughout the Fourth District for over 10 years. Julie handled many cases across the board in federal court, Supreme Court, county court and many local courts. This experience is invaluable to anyone running for Supreme Court justice, where experience and judgment are priorities for judicious decisions.

Julie further showed her capabilities as the first woman district attorney for Essex County, where she made strong inroads against drunk driving, underage drinking, DUI, drug abuse and domestic violence.

Aside from running her own law firm, Julie also had valuable experience representing clients for the law firm of Stanclift, Ludemann, Silvestri and McMorris in Glens Falls. She also worked for the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, the Rensselaer County district attorney’s office and the Albany Law School Institutional Advancement Office.

Julie Garcia is more than qualified to represent the Fourth Judicial District as Supreme Court justice. I urge you to vote for her and to bring all your family and friends to vote as well.

Sincerely,

Karl Thelen

Mineville