To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to urge all to vote for Tim Holian as the judge of probate. As many Newtown residents know, Tim is born and raised in Newtown and has had his practice here in town, specializing in probate issues for over 20 years. Tim Holian has the experience and, yes, sensitivity required in probate issues to do the job as many have seen firsthand, here in Newtown over the last 20 years.

The state has made a wise decision to reduce costs and consolidate the probate offices to save money. The new probate office in our district office will represent about 78,000 residents. We will lose our local Newtown office and share the coverage with several other towns.

Tim made a very conscious and dedicated decision to all of the taxpayers in these towns prior to running for this very important office. Tim Holian stated he will give up his practice to represent all 78,000 resident’s in this position as he feels it is a full-time job. The judge of probate is paid by Connecticut taxpayers a six-figure salary. It is my opinion we need a full-time probate judge to represent all the 78,000 residents who may require the judge’s assistance in time of need.

From all I have read, his opponent Judge Egan has done a good job for over 20 years as a part-time probate judge while he continues his private practice in his town. The problem I see, is as he has stated in his literature and stated in the recent debate here in Newtown is that he is going to continue to operate his practice and work part-time as probate judge. The buzz words stated at the debate hosted here in Newtown about “delegating and organizing” to get the job done do not cut it. Are we going to have to hire more assistants or staff for him to get this done? I do not think we need to even consider that option and who knows what will happen after the election and how many others will be added to the payroll to get this done? All this while he still has a part-time legal practice?

We all delegate and organize every day in our job and most Connecticut residents in these towns do not make six-figure salaries. We are all paying for a full-time elected official. Enough double dipping in the private and government sector and higher taxes. Vote for Tim Holian for your full-time probate judge. Residents of each of these towns deserve more than a part-time probate judge, we need Tim Holian on the job full-time. I urge you to consider voting for Tim Holian as your full-time probate judge.

Sincerely,

Mike Kelley

21 Bridge End Farm Lane, Sandy Hook                 October 21, 2010