I’ve been troubled the past two weeks to see members of our community emphasize that Judge Sam Watkins is 83—as though his age alone should determine whether he deserves another term. Some of the same prominent voices in Croton politics are now promoting term limits as another reason for voters to make a change.
There are two problems with that argument.
First, ageism is not a measure of ability, integrity, judgment, temperament or performance. Ageism also contradicts the fundamental values of access and respect. Judge Watkins should be evaluated on his record—not the number of candles on his birthday cake.
For 20 years, the Honorable Sam Watkins has served as our Village Justice. That experience represents something far more meaningful than an age on a résumé.
He understands our Village Court, our community, and the law. He has developed institutional knowledge that cannot simply be replaced overnight. Most recently, he presided over three landlord-tenant cases that were resolved without a single eviction and held ConEdison, yes ConEd, accountable with a fine for violations.
Second, if some are invoking ageism and term limits as reasons to not elect someone in the Village office, they should be prepared to apply those principles consistently. This would directly affect members of Croton’s own political establishment, including certain members of the Board of Trustees.
Most importantly, Judge Watkins has demonstrated something that should matter greatly to voters: independence. For two terms (not one), he stood against efforts to move our Village Court to Cortlandt, despite the political establishment floating the idea twice. I believe that proposal could return yet again for a third time.
So the question is not Sam Watkins' age.
The question is whether we want a judge with 20 years of experience, institutional knowledge, proven judgment, even temperament, and the independence to make decisions based on the law—even when those decisions conflict with powerful political interests.
I’m grateful for and support Judge Sam Watkins, the incumbent this November, a lifelong Democrat, running on the Voice of Croton community group ticket.
Stacey Nachtaler is a citizen living in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. She writes here in her personal capacity.
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