To the editor:

I am writing in support of Rebecca A. Slezak, candidate for Supreme Court justice in the Fourth Judicial District of New York state. Rebecca is a lifelong resident of Amsterdam and grew up as one of eight children in a close-knit family. She attended RPI and Albany Law School. Rebecca has been a practicing attorney for 22 years, starting as an associate attorney for Ainsworth Sullivan Tracy Knauf Warner and Ruslander in Albany. She served as a public defender in Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office and has been the associate court attorney assigned to the Honorable Philip V. Cortese in Montgomery County Family Court for the last 16 years.

This is an opportunity that Rebecca has been preparing for her entire life. She knows and understands the importance of family, hard work and dedication. She is a careful listener and will apply the law in an impartial manner. Rebecca is raising her two sons, Anthony (17) and Warren (12), alone after the death of her beloved husband Matt. These are some of the factors and experiences, among many that will help her excel on the bench.

The Fourth Judicial District includes 11 counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington. There are six candidates vying for four seats. As the only candidate residing in Montgomery County, Rebecca’s victory would ensure that we continue to have a resident justice. That is an important point to consider as, with the loss of that seat, we would be reliant on judges from other counties to preside over our cases and legal matters.

You can learn more about her qualifications by visiting slezakforsupremecourt.com. I am proud to call Rebecca my sister and friend. She has the right experience and is the right choice. I hope that you will vote for Rebecca A. Slezak on Nov. 5.

Katherine Hans

Amsterdam