In a village election season with a deficit of drama, the contest for Sag Harbor justice has become a headliner. It pits Steven Tekulsky, who is an East Hampton Town justice and lawyer, against Carl Irace, a lawyer who lives in Sag Harbor and has long been interested in a judicial post. The two faced each other in a race that Mr. Tekulsky won in 2014. At the time, we thought Mr. Irace was not seasoned enough to endorse; we do not think that way now.
Mr. Irace is a frequent presence in East Hampton Town Justice Court, where he represents clients as well as helps defendants who end up there without legal help. He is extremely personable and polite and has a gentle demeanor that would be welcome on the bench. He has absorbed a lot in observing the town court, which would be an asset to the Village of Sag Harbor.
Mr. Tekulsky can be hectoring at times, especially about what defendants wear to his court or if a lawyer is not wearing a suit or jacket. His intention seems to be to raise people’s respect for the gravity of the courtroom, but his focus on something that has nothing to do with the actual administration of his responsibilities sometimes feels misplaced and diminishes the seriousness of the court, not enhances it. If elected in Sag Harbor, he would stay on in his East Hampton job, as did Lisa R. Rana, who is stepping down as the village justice and has also served as an East Hampton justice throughout her tenure in Sag Harbor.
The argument has been made that Sag Harbor deserves its own justice, not one moonlighting from another day job. Given the relatively low workload in Sag Harbor, this could go either way; we do not see it as a large factor for voters to consider. More compelling is that Mr. Irace is a resident of the village he would represent; Mr. Tekulsky lives in East Hampton. For us, it comes down to temperament — Mr. Irace has a caring public demeanor, one that feels appropriate for a village justice of the peace. Mr. Tekulsky has enjoyed his time on the bench for nearly a decade and can continue to do so in his present position.
No disrespect to Mr. Tekulsky, but it is time to give Mr. Irace a chance.