Former East Hampton Justices Endorse Tekulsky

Two former East Hampton Town Justices are throwing their support behind Democratic candidate for the bench, Steven Tekulsky.

Retired East Hampton Town Justice James R. Ketcham, of Montauk, now an Independence party member who was first elected as a Democrat and later cross-endorsed, and retired East Hampton Town Justice Roger W. Walker, a Wainscott resident and Republican, have endorsed Tekulsky, who is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. Carl Irace has the Republican, Independence and Conservative party lines.

In a statement on Thursday, Ketcham said, “Steven Tekulsky appeared before me in court numerous times in his capacity as an attorney when I served on the bench. He was not only a most capable attorney but he displayed the understanding and compassion that is needed and that will serve to make him an excellent judge.”

"Steven Tekulsky is the most qualified candidate on the ballot," Walker said in the same statement. "His demeanor, sincerity and knowledge of the town will be much to his advantage when he takes the bench."

"His appearances before me while I was on the bench allows me to know that he will make the right decisions on the cases brought forth before him and that he will abide by the laws of the State of New York," Walker said. "I hope the voters of the town will make the right choice and do as I will by voting for Steven Tekulsky for East Hampton Town Justice."

After hearing of the endorsements, Irace said, "I am surprised to hear that any veteran jurist, would make any endorsement, especially the position they once occupied, without having spoken to both candidates."

Tekulsky, an attorney for 35 years who ran a close race against incumbent Town Justice Lisa R. Rana in 2007, said he was grateful for the endorsement. "I had the privilege of appearing before both of these well-respected judges on many occasions and would be honored to have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps, and those of retiring Town Justice Cathy Cahill, as the next East Hampton Town Justice," he said.

Earlier this month, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., a member of the Independence party, also endorsed Tekulsky.

Both Tekulsky and Irace are attorneys with private practices.

Irace served as a town attorney for two years, and served as an assistant district attorney in the narcotics bureau of the Bronx County district attorney's office from 2001 to 2010.