Experience Should Matter

To the Editor:

My name is Joe Egan, and I am one of the candidates seeking the republican nomination on August 10 for the Northern Fairfield Country Probate Court. Having served as a probate judge for 20 years, I ask for your support.

Probate judges touch the lives of our citizens on a daily basis. Most of you will never have the occasion to appear in a Superior Court courtroom. On the other hand, most of you, or your spouses, children or family members, will have a matter in the in the Probate Court at one time or another.

This is a very serious job. Qualifications and experience should matter. In 2011, I will have been an attorney for almost 40 years and a probate judge for more than 20. In addition to presiding over the Ridgefield Probate Court, I have also sat in 15 other districts, most notably Norwalk as a backup since 1996. I mention this because I have the “big court” experience necessary to preside over the consolidated district.

I have also been an active participant in the state and national judicial organizations. In Connecticut I serve on the executive committee and am the nominating chair. At the national level I served on the executive committee of the National College of Probate Judges and in November 2007 was installed as only the second president from Connecticut in its 42-year history.

Notwithstanding all of the above, I have always stressed the human element of being a probate judge. Obviously, a death in the family creates a very difficult situation, both emotionally and financially. While my legal and judicial experience are certainly important, it is just as important for a probate judge to be companionate and understanding. Anyone who knows me will attest that I am that type of person and I look forward to your vote on August 10.

Thank You,

Joseph A. Egan, Jr

113 High Ridge Avenue, Ridgefield                                July 22, 2010