To the Editor:

Newtown Probate Judge Moira B. Rodgers was elected judge by Newtown voters in the vacancy election of November 2009. She is doing an excellent job, and I should know because I was Newtown’s judge of probate for 18½ years before being forced to retire last September because of age.

Judge Rodgers is one of three candidates in the upcoming August 10 Republican primary. The successful candidate in that primary will stand for election in November 2010, to guide and manage the consolidated Northern Fairfield Probate Court consisting of Newtown, Redding, Bethel, and Ridgefield, for the next four years. This consolidated court will serve a population of approximately 78,000.

Probate courts are “courts of limited jurisdiction,” i.e., interpreting and applying Connecticut state statues pertaining solely to probate. A probate judge makes decisions within the parameters of those sections of the statutes. An equally important part of a judge’s success comes from being attentive and compassionate toward those who appear before the court.

As an elected judge, continuation of a judge’s tenure is determined by the voters on a quadrennial basis. As with any elected position, performance of the candidate judge during the term is the determining factor for renomination and reelection.

Judge Rodgers resolves matters before the court with knowledge and skill in the law, according respect, dignity, and compassion to those appearing before her. She is experienced in the management of the busiest full-time court in the new district. As the judge of the consolidated probate court, she pledges to make the position of probate judge her only job, i.e., she will not practice law, contrary to the expectations of the other two candidates.

I want all your readers to know that I am supporting Judge Moira B. Rodgers in the upcoming Republican primary on August 10, 2010. I urge all the Republican voters in the new district also to support Moira B. Rodgers over her opponents.

Sincerely,

Margot S. Hall

Judge of Probate, retired

5 Nettleton Avenue, Newtown                                      July 27, 2010