Judge Moira Rodgers:

I have enjoyed meeting many of you door to door within the towns of Bethel, Redding, Ridgefield and Newtown that comprise the new probate district. I ask both those I have met, and those I have not yet had the chance to meet, for support in the Republican Primary. I believe I am the best overall judge for several reasons.

First, as judge from the busiest court in the district, Newtown, I feel I am best suited to evaluate the effort the job will require. I maintain the judge should devote sole attention to the court, refraining from the side practice of law. Indeed, I feel the salary the job offers, more than $100,000, warrants that attention. While some judges in districts the size ours will be (approximately 78,000 people) still practice on the side, the effort required to consolidate four courts, staff and record systems into one is going to demand considerable time beyond even that required to service the new court population.

Second, because I will bring sole focus to the job, I can offer that I will hold hearings in every town in the district, so those in Redding, Ridgefield and Newtown will not have to travel to the consolidated court facility in Bethel.

Most importantly, I bring the broadest experience. Beyond traditional probate matters, family matters such as child custody, adoptions and termination of parental rights are brought before the court. My experience as a wife and mother equip me for such matters. In addition, the location, staff and record consolidation will require management experience. Besides practicing law since 1985, I have previously run businesses managing up to six direct subordinates, including attorneys. Most recently, I managed my husband’s law practice while he was deployed to Iraq.

I would be honored by your support.

Judge Rodgers is one of three Republicans seeking the party’s nomination to run for the judge of probate post for the new probate district that includes Redding, Ridgefield, Bethel and Newtown.