Editor’s note: This statement from John DeChiaro was provided by Team Pelham, which is what the candidates for town office on the Republican, Independent and Conservative lines are calling themselves.

The Pelham Town Court stands alone in the Town of Pelham as an independent bastion for all residents, above all partisan politics. The Court is here to represent the Town of Pelham not a particular viewpoint or any political party.

Beginning in 2012, I brought a fresh perspective to the court after replacing a Justice who presided for 40 years. For the last 8 years, I presided over our local court with honor and integrity without fear or favor. I have been respectful to all litigants before the court and made decisions in accordance with the facts and the relevant law.

We have made the Town Court of Pelham the envy of all local courts in Westchester County and with the help of the local government, have modernized the court to meet the needs of its’ citizens. I have brought to the court years of experience resulting from a 42 year career of actual hands-on courtroom practice. I do not need to refer to a computer or legal annals to arrive at a determination while on the bench .

Based on my practical experience and knowledge of the law, the court has provided justice for all who appear before it no matter what their social or economic standing.

For those who seek to politicize the court and make it an arm of a political party or point of view, do not understand the purpose of the court or its independence.

For those who seek this Judgeship as a stepping stone to higher office do a disservice to the Court and to our Town. The Court is here to preserve the very freedoms to which we have become accustomed, not to trample on them on their way to another calling.

The Court has no agenda and does not engage in the determination of issues that are for other bodies to undertake and explore. The jurisdiction of the court is limited; to adjudicate the facts and apply the relevant law. Unlike what others purport to seek, the Court does not make policy on any issue.

Recently, the court was faced with the issue of ICE trying to intervene in our conduct of the criminal calendar. The Court followed the directives of the Office of Court Administration and did not permit arrests by ICE in the courtroom . To do otherwise would have taken away the impartiality, composure of the courtroom and trample upon the basic fundamental rights of defendants that are required to be upheld.

The Town of Pelham Court is, and shall continue to be, the beacon of impartiality and it will not capitulate to the overt and blatant politicization of others who seek to make it otherwise.

The best indication of a how a Justice will perform is what he has accomplished over an entire career. As a lifelong criminal, civil litigator and sitting justice, I possess the qualifications for this endeavor, without doubt.

I ask you, the Pelham voter, to review the qualifications of the respective candidates who seek the position of Town Justice and determine who is best qualified to preside over the Town Court of Pelham for the next 4 years.

I believe the answer is obvious, however, You, the Pelham voter will decide .

I again seek this trusted position not because of ego, financial rewards or for higher office. I do so because I have the qualifications, knowledge, integrity, judicial temperament and experience that will best serve you the residents of Pelham in the Town Court.

I thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.

God Bless America