Patch Candidate Profile: Brian Hughes For Southold Town Justice

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold Town residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 7. Patch asked those running for office to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles in the days leading up to the election.

Brian Hughes, a Republican, is facing off with incumbent Dan Ross, a Democrat, for a Southold Town justice seat.

Here is Patch's candidate profile of Brian Hughes.

Brian Hughes

How old will you be on Election Day?

74

Does your campaign have a website?

https://hughesforjustice.org

What city or town do you live in?

Southold

What office are you seeking?

Southold Town Justice

Party affiliation

Republican, Conservative

Education

St. John's University School of Law, Jamaica, New York; Juris Doctor; John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York; Bachelor of Science

What is your occupation?

Attorney

Do you have a family?

Yes

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Southold Town Justice Court, town justice; East End Regional Intervention Court (drug court), justice; Kings County District Attorney, executive assistant district attorney, bureau chief;
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, adjunct professor; New York City Department of Investigation, inspector general; New York State Department of Law, assistant attorney general

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe in one town with one standard. My education, history and experience show my dedication to justice.

Southold Town Justice Court is, by definition, a "local criminal court." Part of a system, interacting with the other components. It is the court of original jurisdiction, with few exceptions, for all criminal offense committed within the town. Don’t be confused by those who minimize its importance.

Over the last few years, folks suggested that I again serve as town justice. Not only attorneys in criminal practice, but others across our county. One well practiced attorney wrote in 2019 that our court was, "(h)ands down the best court to practice in in (sic) Suffolk County." He feels differently now.

Only after reading the "Southold Town Justice Court Equity Report", Southold Town Justice Review & Reform Task Force, September 2022., did I decide to run.

Our court is portrayed as generally positive, but with some deficiencies. One justice was discussed positively: "(the judge) is amazing. She keeps the court organized and is very fair." "Compared to other courts, this is extremely well run." And I’m proud to have worked with her!

On the other hand, the other justice portrayed poorly: He relied on the District Attorney to make deals; he did not take the time to check defendant’s understanding in cases with Spanish-speaking clients; it was unclear if defendants needed an interpreter or even understood the proceeding; he did not state the charges that defendants were pleading to (i.e., speeding or crosswalk) or even ask if they understood; defendants seemed confused and seemed to just say yes without a full understanding of the matter; and he is a bit dismissive.

When participants and defendants do not understand what is happening due to language barriers, proper procedures must be followed. An experienced criminal attorney would recognize this and, if it gets past an attorney, a more experienced justice would correct the situation. The resources available for translation services must be utilized or injustice may result.

I also read the public record and found additional matters of concern. Do you like the idea of a Southold Town justice representing a defendant in a matter that arose in the Southold Justice Court? What if the defendant is a Southold elected official!

I am the only candidate in this election who has been vetted and screened by the Judicial Screening Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association. After review of my qualifications with respect to my character and integrity, including candor, impartially, respect and adherence to ethical standards and conduct, I was rated as Qualified for Judicial Office.

I am the only candidate in this election who has completed the NYS Unified Court System Judicial Ethics Training Program.

We need a justice with experience in these matters and who has the respect of those in our justice system. I have the experience, a Qualified rating from the Screening Committee of the SCBA and 15 endorsements from public safety and law enforcement organizations show.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is _____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe in one town with one standard. My education, history and experience show my dedication to justice.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only candidate in this election who has been vetted and screened by the Judicial Screening Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association. After review of my qualifications with respect to my character and integrity, including candor, impartially, respect and adherence to ethical standards and conduct, I was rated as Qualified for Judicial Office. And the only candidate in this election who has completed the NYS Unified Court System Judicial Ethics Training Program.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

A read of the "Southold Town Justice Court Equity Report", Southold Town Justice Review & Reform Task Force, September 2022, provides the answer. This is how that official town report portrayed my opponent: he relied on the District Attorney to make deals; he did not take the time to check defendant’s understanding in cases with Spanish and Greek speakers; it was unclear if defendants needed an interpreter or even understood the proceeding; he did not state the charges that defendants were pleading to (i.e., speeding or crosswalk) or even ask if they understood; defendants seemed confused and seemed to just say yes without a full understanding of the matter; and he is a bit dismissive.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

When participants and defendants do not understand what is happening due to language barriers, proper procedures must be followed. An experienced criminal attorney would recognize this and, if this problem gets past an attorney, a more experienced Justice would correct the situation. The resources available for translation services must be utilized or injustice may result.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I previously served as Southold Town justice. I volunteered my legal acumen to serve our community with the assigned counsel defender plan of Suffolk County (18B) felony panel; East End Regional Intervention Court (drug court); Southold ethics board; Southold Justice Review & Reform Task Force, Part 1.

My education, experience and career as a long time prosecutor show a lifetime commitment to justice and the equal application of the law. Truth, honesty, integrity and adherence to high standards is a common bond among those in the justice system and fosters a mutual respect. Because of this respect, many premiere organizations have endorsed my campaign.

Among them are:

Suffolk County Corrections Officers Association, Inc.; Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs PBA; Suffolk County PBA; Suffolk County Police Conference; Suffolk County Police Superior Officers Association; PBA of the New York State Troopers; Fraternal Order of Police, New York State; Detectives Endowment Association, Inc., NYPD; Fire Marshals’ Benevolent Association, NYC; Fraternal Order of Police, New York State; Grand Council of United Emerald Societies; Lieutenants Benevolent Association, NYPD; PBA of the New York State Troopers; Sergeants Benevolent Association, NYPD; Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; Uniformed Fire Officers Association, NYC; PBA of the City of New York.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Whatever your job, do the best you can.