To the Editor:

It has been brought to my attention that Chris Aldrich is seeking the position of Guilderland Town Justice for the remainder of 2018. I highly recommend Chris for this position after working with Chris for 18 years in many different venues. I have always respected Chris for his moral character, drive and determination, and dedication to the town of Guilderland.  

Chris and I have known each other through Christ Church Guilderland. We served together in the children’s ministry, teaching the youth through drama and music. Chris led this ministry.

I was always so impressed that he and his wife, Jean, were there every Sunday, without fail, from 8 a.m. until 1 .pm., teaching, counseling, and preparing for the next week. During this time, I watched as the children entered the room eager and excited about learning about their faith.

Chris always made it fun while being able to discipline at the same time. When his own children grew up, he moved onto the adolescent/high school group and, again, always managed to engage the teenagers in a constructive conversation about everyday life situations while morally problem-solving. Chris to this day is involved with the youth group after 16 years.  

Chris and I also traveled to Guatemala together on mission trips to a Mayan village over the course of several years to bring the word of God to families. Chris led vacation Bible school with over 200 children in his group for one week. He also worked on a team, building stoves and water-filtration systems for Mayan families in order to bring better health to the children and parents. He was a valued member of this team.

For a short time, Chris sat with the original members of Guilderland Cares to brainstorm ideas and strategies to find and reach those people in Guilderland who were the most vulnerable and needed someone to care about them. That group is active and engaged with many projects today.

In addition, I am presently sharing an eldership position with Chris at Christ Church Guilderland. We discuss church policy, counsel church members, and create fellowship opportunities for our church members. I am moved by Chris’s compassion for church members and his ability to see a person’s suffering with compassion. Chris is a leader and a friend to the congregation.

Chris has worked for the United Court System as a court attorney for both the Nassau County District Court and the Albany City Court Judges for the past 31 years. I believe that the jurisdictions of those courts are the same as the jurisdiction of the Guilderland Town Court, the only difference being the Town of Guilderland Court covers actions that took place in the town of Guilderland. Chris’s past experiences make him an excellent candidate for the town justice.

I fully endorse Chris Aldrich for town justice. He will bring expertise and compassion to the court system and represent the people of Guilderland in a fair and impartial manner. If I can be of any assistance in my support of Chris’s candidacy, please feel free to contact me.

Susan Hennessy, director

Guilderland Food Pantry