Broad Experience,

Full-Time Effort

Dear Fellow Newtowners:

I have enjoyed meeting many of you door to door as I have sought your support in the August 10 Republican Primary to become the Republican candidate for probate judge for the new, consolidated Probate District of Newtown, Redding, Bethel, and Ridgefield. 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, for reasons detailed below, that I am the best overall judge for the new job. Beyond that I write to add some information particular to Newtown.

As judge from the busiest court in the district, ours, 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 of 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.

Because I will bring sole focus to the job, I can offer that I will hold hearings in every town in the district, meaning that residents of 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.

A final note. Some have questioned my absence of lawn signs and robocalls in the campaign. Please don’t view that absence as a lack of commitment. To the contrary, I believe I best demonstrate my commitment by introducing myself and seeking your support through door-to-door campaigning. I believe the voters deserve that respect. I submit, moreover, that my methods of campaigning are indicative of the enthusiasm and energy I will continue to bring to the job if given that chance.

I would be honored by your support.

Moira B. Rodgers

Judge of Probate, Newtown

4 Hi Barlow Road, Newtown                                         August 1, 2010