To The Editor:

Dan O'Grady deserves our vote in the August 9 Regional Probate Primary. I first met Dan as he was the seller's attorney for the closing when I bought my home in Bethel in 1992. As soon as the paperwork was complete, he then became my next-door neighbor. I watched his kids grow, and we would chat about the town and town issues. He was my neighbor and became a friend.

Dan has donated incredible amounts of time, pro bono legal work, personal effort, his own money and skills to the betterment of Bethel and the surrounding towns. A former town counsel and also a Bethel probate judge prior to regionalization, he is qualified - even to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

This is a personal endorsement. In the Republican primary on August 9, only registered Republicans from Bethel, Newtown, Redding, and Ridgefield can participate. I urge unaffiliated voters who have known Dan for many years to support him by changing registration to Republican today. Unaffiliated voters can do this and participate. You will make a huge difference by voting.

The Probate Court handles cases and issues during some of the most trying times for individuals and families. Yet voter participation for midsummer primaries is so abysmal, only a few get to direct the outcome. If you are a Republican and can't be in town August 9, absentee ballots are available now at Town Hall. Participate and join the Republican team for this primary. Then, onward to the fall election.

Bill Hillman

86 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel                                        August 2, 2016