Include lawyers as hearing officers

As a practicing attorney for the past 17 years, I applaud Brookhaven's efforts to ensure that hearing officers are qualified for their position ["Hearing officers may need to qualify," Newsday, March 10].

However, I question why prosecutors with 5 years' experience and retired police officers with 10 years of experience are "deemed" qualified, but defense attorneys with the same years or more of experience are not ever eligible for consideration for the position.

I urge Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko to consider amending the proposed legislation so that it does not automatically disqualify a large pool of experienced litigators.

Kenneth A. Gray

Rockville Centre

Editor's note: The writer is a municipal attorney and part of his practice is defense work.