To the editor:

I was struck by a letter which appeared in the Oct. 15 Post-Star regarding state Supreme Court justice candidate Julie Garcia. Incongruously, the letter called Ms. Garcia’s qualifications into question while also acknowledging that she served as Essex County district attorney for four years.

Ms. Garcia is a fellow alumna from Albany Law School whose stellar reputation elicited adulation from professors and an employment offer from the Suffolk County district attorney’s office. I know because I hired her for that position.

As an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Ms. Garcia distinguished herself in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, which are among the most challenging matters facing any prosecutor. These cases are emotionally charged and may involve issues of witness fear and coercion. Despite the nature of the work, Ms. Garcia’s decisiveness, fairness, compassion and skill were praised by her fellow assistant district attorneys, defense attorneys, victims, witnesses and judges.

I understand Ms. Garcia brought the same exceptional qualities to her positions in the Rensselaer County district attorney’s office and her tenure as Essex County district attorney.

Having practiced law for 25 years, 12 years as an assistant district attorney, I have witnessed some of the best and worst qualities exhibited by individuals on the bench. Knowledge, skill and “judicial temperament” are essential for any judge, but particularly for Supreme Court justices. These individuals are called upon to exercise the very same proficiencies that have been the hallmarks of Julie Garcia’s legal career.

The fact that so many letters of support have been written on her behalf is a testament to Ms. Garcia’s outstanding reputation, as well as to her interactions with people. She is clearly a superior candidate for state Supreme Court justice and is eminently qualified to hold that position.

Sincerely,

Leslie B. Anderson, Esq.

Hauppauge