I would like to relate to the voters in the Third Judicial District comprised of the counties of Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster, something about the background and character of Supreme Court Justice E. Michael Kavanagh, who is running for re-election.

He served as Ulster County District Attorney for 21 years and was highly effective and fair as a prosecutor. Elected Supreme Court Justice in 1998, Judge Kavanagh presided over hundreds of civil cases. As a trial judge, he maintained order and decorum in the courtroom without being overbearing. He was always considerate and courteous toward the jurors, litigants and lawyers who appeared before him.

In 2006, his judicial ability was recognized and he was appointed an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division in New York City. In 2008, Governor Spitzer appointed him as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department, in Albany.

His background as a prosecutor and civil trial judge has served him well in deciding the appeals in the criminal and civil cases that came before him.

The Independent Election Qualification Commission has rated him as "Highly Qualified" for re-election to the Supreme Court. The Albany County Bar Association described him as "Outstanding" and the Ulster County Bar Association rated him as "Highly Qualified." Seldom do we have a judicial candidate with the intellect, experience and judicial temperament of Judge Kavanagh. He has served the people in the counties in the Third Judicial District well and is deserving of re-election.

Michael E. Catalinotto, Esq.

Saugerties, NY