Mary Johnson Photo
Republican Probate Judge Frank Forgione, who oversees the Branford and North Branford probate courts, won Democratic cross-endorsement for reelection last week, a first for him, he said. He told the Eagle he was “incredibly grateful” to be endorsed by both parties for the November election.
Forgione, 57 (pictured above), was cross-endorsed at a seven-minute Democratic convention held at Canoe Brook Senior Center. The Republicans endorsed him a few weeks back. While on occasion over his judicial career Forgione has run unopposed, this is the first time he has been cross-endorsed for election. This means Judge Forgione will win a four-year term in office, because there are no other candidates.
Forgione, a judge for 24 years, said in an interview that this was a singular honor for him. The last time a cross-endorsement occurred was when the Branford Republican Town Committee cross-endorsed Joanne Cleary, the incumbent Democratic candidate for tax collector in the 2013 election.
At the Democratic probate judge convention last week 15 delegates from Branford and North Branford made the decision to cross-endorse Forgione.
Democratic Town Chairman Chris Sullivan, who was serving as a delegate at the Democratic convention Wednesday night, nominated Forgione and spoke to the issue.
“Frank Forgione is the right person for the job, it doesn’t matter what letter is after his name on the ballot. I am proud to recommend his cross-endorsement for the Branford and North Branford Probate Judge.
“It is easy to endorse a candidate for Probate Judge that has such a strong history of doing the job well. Probate Judge is really a position that shouldn’t be partisan and should be about the right person,” Sullivan said.
Pat Young, of North Branford, echoed Sullivan’s sentiments as he seconded the nomination.
“The Judge of Probate really is not a partisan position, and I am pleased to place my vote for Frank’s candidacy, knowing his outstanding history of service.”
He told the convention that Forgione’s life straddled both towns. “Frank grew up in Branford, and has been a resident of North Branford for several years. He has a commitment to, and understanding of, both towns. He is a marvelous Probate Judge who has devoted many hours of his time in the Regional Children’s Court, handling adoptions, custody and other family matters. He is compassionate, fair and judicious.”
Judge Forgione serves as both probate judge for both towns and also hears cases from the Regional Children’s Court, which he once headed. The probate court is located at Branford Town Hall.
“I have been serving as probate judge for 24 years, and recognize that, when people need the assistance of the probate court, it is usually during times of great difficulty and distress,” he told the convention.
“We try to treat everyone who needs our help with courtesy, kindness and empathy. We have tried to make the process less overwhelming and less stressful for all. I have a great staff at the Probate Court who always handle the situations confronting us with patience and compassion.”
“Once again, I cannot overstate how honored I am for your support.”
Probate Courts Merged Four Years Ago
The state’s probate courts were merged four years ago under a 2010 consolidation. At that time Branford and North Branford came under one umbrella. Judges stand for election every four years.
Attorney Keith Sittnick, who served as permanent chair of the convention (and opposed Forgione four years ago), added a few words, just before the convention adjourned: “Frank Forgione’s professionalism and compassion for the people of Branford and North Branford make him a perfect fit for the role of probate judge.”
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What distinguishes a good from bad probate judges in a system that engages in what this recent Forbes article and a Yale Law School professor has called "looting" and a "national scandal"?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimpowell/2013/08/01/how-did-rich-connecticut-morph-into-one-of-americas-worst-performing-economies/5/