Continue The Tradition

To the Editor:

I am the clerk of the Newtown Probate Court and have been for the past 18 years. Previous to that, I was the assistant clerk for five years servicing with Margot S. Hall, then clerk for Judge Merlin E. Fisk. We have come a long way together.

This is a very important election for me because it is a special election for Judge of Probate for the District of Newtown to fill the vacancy in that office for the period from November 3, 2009, to January 5, 2011. A judge generally would run every four years; this election is for the last year of our retired Judge Margot S. Hall’s term. She is retiring because of a statutory age requirement. In 2011, a judge must be an attorney; I am not an attorney, however, if I am elected I am grandfathered and can run for the next term. There has never been an attorney in office as Judge of Probate. Margot is not an attorney and her husband attorney Hall reiterated in his letter to The Bee on September 18 that a judge does not need to be an attorney. Also, former Judge Merlin Fish was a retired engineer. Prior to him was Judge Blanchard who was a real estate agent and the list goes on.

Serving as her clerk for the last 18 years has been a pleasure. Together we have helped a great many families in Newtown through some difficult times. Such as: the loss of a loved one, or the conservator of a family member, the appointment of a grandparent as of a grandchild when mom and dad have had some difficult times. We were happy to be there for you.

I need your help now as the tables have turned. Please vote for me on November 3 and continue the long tradition of helping the Newtown residents in a passionate, sensitive and caring way.

Sincerely,

Margaret “Peggy” L. Jepsen, Clerk

16 South Main Street                                                  October 26, 2009