QUALIFICATIONS MATTER!

QUALIFICATIONS MATTER!
By Mike Harkavy

These are unsettling times for voters who are going through a very tough economic period. Many are fearful and some are justifiably angry. Stirred up by the right-wing media, we see Republican primary voters in many parts of the country including New York State nominating candidates who in our opinion are not ready for “prime time”. These candidates stoke up the fires with heated speeches but are short on plans of action for the problems we face. This is no time for unqualified candidates with long learning curves.
We believe that qualifications matter and when the dust settles the electorate will look for candidates who can guide us through these troubled waters. We hope to introduce you to our experienced candidates throughout this election season and ask for your support on Election Day, Nov. 2nd.

Re-Elect Wendy Ricks Town Justice
Wendy has been honoured to serve as the Saugerties Town Justice since 2007. In this capacity, she handles a busy criminal, civil and traffic calendar. She believes in equal justice for all who come before the Court
Wendy graduated from Saugerties High School in 1981, graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1984, and with honors from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1990. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1990. She has been practicing law in Ulster County for twenty years and in 2007, opened her own private practice on Main Street in the Village of Saugerties.
Wendy served as an Assistant District Attorney under former District Attorney Michael Kavanagh and prosecuted criminal cases in justice courts throughout Ulster County. She also served as an Assistant County Attorney in Ulster County and was responsible for the prosecution of Juvenile Delinquency and PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) petitions in Ulster County Family Court. In 1998, She was appointed to the Third Judicial District’s Committee on Character and Fitness, which has the responsibility of determining the fitness of applicants to practice law in New York State. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ulster County Bar Association, including one term as President.
Wendy is a trained mediator. Her experience in this field has provided her with the knowledge and awareness of how mental health issues, addiction and family dysfunction can be a contributing factor in many criminal offenses that come before the Court.
In addition to her legal responsibilities, Wendy has served as the chair of SAGE (Saugerties is about Growth Experience), has volunteered with the Saugerties Girls Scouts and is a “soccer mom” volunteering as a soccer coach.
We are proud of Wendy’s lifelong contributions to Saugerties, a town she truly loves, as well as the professionalism and judicial temperament she has brought to the office of Saugerties Town Justice. We encourage you to support her re-election on Nov. 2nd.
Ulster County Democratic Committee Fall Reception

Your are invited to the UCDC Fall reception at Hillside Manor, Kingston, on Sunday, October 3, 2010 beginning at 4:30pm. There will be a cocktail hour followed by dinner at a cost of $50. Call 914-388-7800 or email kmarkisenis@hvc.rr.com for reservations.