To the Editor:
This letter is to announce that I will not seek a third term as Berlin’s Town Justice in November. I have served two full terms, and part of a prior, and have been able to appreciate both the Justice System and the needs of the defendants and complainants who have appeared before me. While I have no need to retire, I feel very strongly that two terms is only fair and appropriate for my service to the community, and that it is time for a new party to come forward and contribute their time and ability.
[private]I must acknowledge the exceptional people I have been privileged to work with: Court Clerk Liz Miller, past Court Clerks Jean Barber, Courtney Hake, Gloria Adams; as well as my current Co-Judge, Donald Sweet, and Past-Judge Walter Knightes.
I am not allowed to endorse or promote any individual of any party to run for office, but suggest that any interested parties should visit the Court, talk with Judge Sweet and myself, observe cases on Court nights (Wednesdays), and understand what the position entails and requires. This office should have multiple people vying for its position, and I encourage all qualified persons to consider candidacy so that you, as voters, get the most qualified candidate this town has to offer.
I thank you for the voting support you gave me in the past, for the trust you placed in me. My wife and I will continue to reside in Cherry Plain, and perhaps be available to assist the Town in some future endeavor.
Thanking you for your past support, I remain,
Joseph A. Rechen
Berlin Town Court Justice[/private]