Committee to Re-elect Judge Robert A. Randich Established

Robert A. Randich, sitting judge of probate for the district of Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, has announced the formation of a committee to support his re-election campaign. Judge Randich appointed campaign coordinators for each of the three towns, a campaign treasurer and a deputy treasurer. The Newington coordinator will be Sandy Nafis. Ms. Nafis served on the Newington Town Council from 1995 to 1997, including a term as Deputy Mayor when Judge Randich served as Mayor of Newington, before going on to a 16 year career as Newington's state representative for the 27th District in the Connecticut State House of Representative. The Wethersfield coordinator will be Paul Doyle. Mr. Doyle served on the Wethersfield Town Council for three years before commencing a 24 year career in the state legislature, the first 12 years in the House of Representatives and the next 12 years as the State Senator for the 9th District. The Rocky Hill coordinator is Robert Cushman, an attorney with over 30 years legal experience who practices law in an office at 21 New Britain Avenue, Rocky Hill. The treasurer for the committee will be Gail Kelly. Ms. Kelly served for 16 years on the Board of Education, including multiple terms as Chairman, which service also occurred when Judge Randich was on the Newington Town Council. The Deputy Treasurer will be Dr. Kathleen Murphy. Dr. Murphy served as the Thompson Probate Court judge from 2004 to 2010 and is currently the Director of Eligibility for the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services and operates her own private practice. She is also the wife of Judge Randich.

“I believe Bob's performance as judge has provided the district with excellent services and I am pleased to assist him in getting his message to the voters of Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill,” stated Ms. Nafis. Mr. Doyle added, “Now more than ever, our towns need to have the experience and work ethic that Judge Randich brings to the job every day. Now is not the time to take a chance on a new judge.” Mr. Cushman stated “I have known Bob since I first started practicing law in the late 80's and he has always undertaken his legal responsibilities with care, attention to detail and with a high standard of ethics.”

Probate judge asks for your vote in the upcoming election

Sixteen years ago, I first asked the voters of Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill to allow me to serve as their probate judge.

I was successful in that effort and have been returned to office in three successive elections. During this time, I have developed expertise in presiding over just about every type of matter that can be brought in a probate court. My experience has been recognized by Probate Administration who has asked me on numerous occasions to sit on panels at continuing education seminars for probate judges on best practices in conducting conservator and will contest hearings and I have also made presentations on estate administration issues.

I retired from the active practice of law in 2018 to make serving as a probate judge my sole professional responsibility and intend to continue serving only as a probate judge if re elected.

Just as importantly, I have presided over proceedings in which families are torn about what to do about an aging loved one's care or a recently deceased loved one's estate, where young children are at risk due to their parents' substance abuse issues and where parents are concerned about the welfare of their developmentally disabled children as they approach adulthood.

These are incredibly personal issues which require sensitivity and empathy from the judge hearing them I have endeavored to make our court a place where concerned parties' voices are heard with appropriate decisions based on law made so that the parties can move forward with their lives.

While the election of a probate judge is the result of a political process, service as a probate judge has nothing to do with politics as a judge is bound to uphold the law equally to all parties that come before the court without regard to political considerations.

I believe that my record over the last sixteen years shows that I have treated this office and the people who utilize it with the respect and impartiality that is demanded.

I write today to respectfully request your vote for another term as your probate judge to continue this service. I appear on line 10a of the ballot.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.