Why I'm Endorsing Judge Tawil

I am endorsing Judge Michael Tawil in the Democratic Primary election for Ossining Town Justice on June 23, with early voting now underway.

Judge Tawil has served the Ossining community for 11 years, first as a Town Councilmember, where we served together, then as an elected Judge for two terms in the consolidated Ossining Town Court. This year he was appointed to fill an unexpired term for the 2020 year.

When we were on the Ossining Town Board together, Judge Tawil was an unfailing voice for fairness, for equal treatment for all people, and for protecting the health, safety and welfare of all the residents of Ossining. We worked hard to consolidate the Town and Village courts, which streamlined operations, saved taxpayer money, and strengthened the independent judicial branch in the Town and Village of Ossining. As one of the first three Judges to serve the consolidated court, Judge Tawil was instrumental in putting together the policies and procedures of this new court.

Judges are not allowed to take positions on many political issues, but as someone who knows Michael personally, I can say without hesitation that he is forward-looking and progressive; that he cares about all segments of the population; and that he applies intelligence and fairness to his decisions.

Mike Tawil is a person who cares deeply about Ossining, he has lived here for seventeen years with his family. His children attend Ossining public schools, and his son graduated OHS this month. As a father who is dedicated to the well-being of all the children of Ossining, he is passionate about protecting their welfare and creating a more just and equitable world for future generations.

Judge Tawil has a well-deserved reputations a jurist who treats everyone who appears before him with respect and humanity. A judge is called upon to look comprehensively at a situation, and create outcomes that reflect fairness to all concerned, compassion, and adherence to the laws that govern our society. Every honest person knows that all humans make mistakes, and that the test of a person’s character is a willingness to own up to mistakes, to take responsibility for them, and to learn from errors.

Judge Tawil has served our community well, and deserves another term on the bench. I strongly urge all Ossining Democrats to support our Town Judge Mike Tawil in this month's primary election.

Catherine Borgia

Legislative District 9, Westchester County Board of Legislators