Your recent editorial lauding The Hon. Judge David Hurd was spot-on and well deserved.

I once spoke at one of the judge’s Naturalization ceremonies and his joy for our new citizens was quite evident. As you stated, he considered this one of the best parts of his job, and he made that quite clear to me on more than one occasion.

Further, Judge Hurd’s decision to postpone his retirement when he learned his replacement might live outside the area is further indication of his commitment not only to his job but to the area he calls home. 

You are right ... Judge Hurd is most certainly a local treasure. We need more people like him.

— Dave Dudajek, Whitesboro

EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer is a long-time, respected journalist who worked at both the Utica Observer-Dispatch and The Daily Sentinel in a more than 45-year career.