Candidates for probate judge tout their expertise

Nov. 1—Elections for probate judge don't usually focus on hot-button issues, and for the 3rd District, the two people vying for the seat are expressing nothing but respect for each other, while at the same time looking to convince voters they're the better qualified.

"I think he's a fine guy," said Democrat Dan Mara regarding his opponent, Republican Edward McAnaney. "We've had some good conversations. He's done a lot for the town of Suffield."

The 3rd District Probate covers Bloomfield, East Granby, Suffield, and Windsor Locks.

McAnaney offered similar platitudes for Mara.

"He seems like a decent guy, a good guy, good person," he said.

The 3rd District seat will be vacated at the end of this term by the current judge, David A. Baram, who is 69 and would reach the required retirement age of 70 if he stayed in office.

"This is a seat I've been thinking about, but never challenge the present judge," said Mara, 62, of Bloomfield. "This has a special place in my family. We adopted both of our kids through the probate court. I've done a number of things through the probate court that has had big impacts on my clients' families."

Mara said his time as a small business lawyer has prepared him for being probate judge, giving him insight to people's needs.

"When you do law for small businesses, you're really representing the business owners and their families," he said. "It's helped me because the commercial aspects, I know the real estate aspects. People die with assets that need to be moved and decisions that have to be made, not just personally but business."

McAnaney, 65, of Suffield, said he's the candidate with experience, having practiced probate law for 36 years. He has previously been a probate judge, having sat as probate judge in Suffield from 2000 to 2011. The court was absorbed into the 3rd District in 2011.

"I've been in the courts, doing probate things and as a sitting judge for 11 years helping people with adoptions and their estates and conservatorships," he said.

"It benefits the people in the district to have a judge who's experienced in this area," he said. "That's what this race is all about."

In the 4th District, which covers East Windsor, South Windsor, and Windsor, the race against Democrat Mary Deneen, 28, of Windsor, and Republican Tad Bistor, 55, of South Windsor, comes down to youth versus experience.

"This opening came about earlier in my career than I anticipated," said Deneen. "I fell in love with this area of law. Why not run now? I decided to go for it instead of waiting 20 years into my career."

She said she's aware of people wondering if she has enough experience for a judgeship.

"In my eyes, whoever is going to be a probate judge, it's going to be a learning curve," she said. "Neither of us have been a judge before. I think my youth and energy is a benefit. I'm ready to dedicate years and years of my career to this position."

Bistor, on the other hand, said he has been representing children in family courts for over 20 years.

"I spent my career helping people and it was a good fit," he said. "It gives me another opportunity to help my community, help people who live in great Windsor. I think I'm well qualified for the position.

"I am by far the most qualified of the candidates running," he said. "I haven't had any matters with her, but she's only been practicing law for two years. I've been practicing law for over 28. I don't suppose she has the level of legal experience I've had over my career. Life experience as well."

Bistor is being sued by a former client for malpractice. According to a complaint filed in Waterbury Superior Court on July 28, a woman is suing Bistor for "compensatory money damages," "punitive damages," and "other relief" after Bistor represented her in a lawsuit stemming from a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunken driver. The woman suffered injuries to her spine, face, and head.

The complaint alleges that Bistor failed to represent the woman and was negligent in handling her claims, causing the case to be dismissed over not filing her claim before the expiration of statue of limitations. The complaint also stated that Bistor failed to keep in contact with the woman throughout the case.

Bistor said that he couldn't comment too much on the case, and it is still being litigated.

"Certainly I deny any malpractice that occurred," he said.

Deneen declined to comment on lawsuit against Bistor.

Other districts in the region are all being run unopposed.

Democrat Richard Gentile is running unopposed for the 5th District, which covers East Hartford, a seat that was vacated in April by the previous judge, Scott R. Chadwick.

"I've always been interested in public service and to me it's the greatest honor to do public service," he said.

In the 12th District, covering Ellington and Vernon, Democrat incumbent Judge Elisa H. Bartlett is running unopposed for her second term.

"We've been extremely busy, but one of the most rewarding things I've ever done," she said. "I'm honored that I've been able to do it four years ago and honored to do it again."

In the 6th District, covering Glastonbury and Hebron, Democrat incumbent Judge Sean M. Peoples is running for his third term, the first time unopposed.

"It's been a wonderful challenge," he said, "a culmination of my career helping people. I enjoy it immensely."

Both Democrats and Republicans are endorsing Democratic Judge Michael M. Darby, who represents the 13th District, covering Andover, Bolton, Columbia, and Manchester.

He said this would be his last term, as he will be 69 when he finishes this next term.

"To be endorsed by the Republicans in addition is especially flattering and an honor," he said. "I hope it's because I've done a good job the last three terms."

Incumbent Republican Carolyn L. McCaffrey is running unopposed for her second term in the 11th District, which covers Enfield, Somers, Stafford, and Union.

"I wanted to help the residents in our area," she said. "It feels good giving back to the community and help people."

In the 25th District, representing Coventry, Mansfield, Tolland, and Willington, Democrat incumbent Barbara Gardner Riordan is running unopposed for her third and final term.

"I'm very proud of the probate system," she said. "I think it has worked really well. I really enjoy getting to know other judges across the state. It's a great job and I'm very excited to continue."

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