Character & Compassion: Judge Mike Tawil for Ossining Town Judge

I am writing to support Michael Tawil as a candidate for Justice in the Town of Ossining. I have known Michael for many years, and I have always appreciated his warmth and kind nature. That, however, is not why I support Michael to be elected as an Ossining Town Justice. Rather, last year, I had the opportunity to sit in Town Court and observe proceedings one evening.

I have been a litigation attorney for over two decades. During that time, I have experienced the heartache of appearing before unprepared and unkind judges, and, conversely, I’ve experienced the satisfaction of appearing before kind, fair and erudite judges. Michael Tawil manifestly represented the latter category. I distinctly recall how Judge Tawil addressed numerous cases, including actions for unpaid rent and eviction, criminal matters, and routine traffic violations. I watched the fluid nature through which Judge Tawil moved from one legal issue to another. I observed Judge Tawil’s keen attention to detail, such as when he recited prior statements or agreements addressed in proceedings that occurred weeks or months earlier. I witnessed Judge Tawil’s kindness and compassion, whether in the form of extensions of time to address motion papers, an apparently justified request for a hearing adjournment, or a defendant who did not have money to obtain counsel. At the end of the evening, I remember being stunned by Judge Tawil’s demonstrated degree of care, his significant command of varying laws, and his obvious preparation for the recurring matters before his Court.

As I look back on that evening, I remember the remarkable pride I felt to be a resident in a town that voted to put such a competent individual on the bench - someone who in addition to having a separate full time law practice, was undeniably investing tremendous time, care, dedication and character into his commitment to honorably serve as an Ossining Town Justice.

For all of these reasons, I support Michael Tawil to be elected as one of our Town Justices, and I hope you will do the same.

Sincerely, Evan Janush

Ossining Resident