WPCNR MR. & MRS. & Ms. White Plains Voice. February 24, 2006: A reader observes on the sorry state of Westchester's courts:

The real issue on the reform of the way we select or elect State Supreme Court judges is ultimately up to the legislature & the governor. We need to put an end to the backroom deals when it comes to the selection of State Supreme Court Judge candidates by Backroom Party hacks. We need to take away the power of the party power brokers & put it in the hands of the people.

We need to take away the power of the party power brokers & put it in the hands of the people. Should we have appointed judges? Should we have a primary process? The party leaders of each party is controlling too much of this process. Judges are supposed to be non political. But how can they, when they enter a partisan environment.

The process the way it is run now helps the Insider, but doesn't help the Outsider. We need an even playing field for everybody. The legislature must reform this process. This is a great time for a debate, which is sorely needed.

Also the Brennan Center suggests involving Law Schools, Bar Associations & other sponsors as well. That is a great suggestion.

We certainly don't need people like Nick Spano, Giulio Cavallo & other party bosses picking our judiciary. Right now, Backroom Politics is ruling the day right now. We need a system that helps people who are qualified to run State Supreme Court Judge should be afforded the opportunity.

Politics has too much of a role in our judicial system. There is a great needed for reforming our judicial system. We need to take politics also out of the Office of Court Administration. It is a patronage haven.

Also the way politically connected lawyers get referee appointments as well. Also we need to reform the way law guardian assignments are handed out. Albany has a real chance to take politics out of the judicial system, once & for all.

Delfim Heusler