Commentary: Bartlett Outlines Ellington/Vernon Probate Judge Race

ELLINGTON/VERNON, CT — The following is commentary submitted by Elisa Bartlett, the Democratic candidate for probate judge for Ellington and Vernon:

This November 6th, voters in Ellington and Vernon will be tasked with electing a new Judge of Probate in
anticipation of the retirement of the Honorable James Purnell who has served for almost 20 years. Since
I was approached by a colleague to pursue this position in early June, I have been asked repeatedly what
the probate court does and why I want to be a Judge of Probate.

The Ellington-Vernon Probate Court is located in the Vernon town hall and serves both towns. The court
specializes in family-related cases such as the probating of an individual’s estate after they pass away;
the appointment of a guardian or conservator for a loved one or family member who cannot take care
of his/her affairs; adoptions and child custody matters; and name changes. Judges of Probate are the
only judges elected in the state of Connecticut.

I want to serve as the Judge of Probate because having worked closely with individuals and families in
probate and guardianship matters for over twelve years, I know firsthand the importance of a probate
court and, in particular, a knowledgeable and understanding probate court judge during vulnerable
times. The probate court sees families at happy times in their lives, like adoptions, but also at very
difficult times, like dealing with the death of a loved one. Based on my experience, I believe each case,
and person, needs to be handled with care, consideration and thoughtfulness.

In addition to wanting to serve my community, I believe I am qualified to fill Judge Purnell’s seat given
my expertise in probate law. I have practiced law for sixteen years and have my own law firm which
specializes in probate law. I appear regularly in the Ellington-Vernon and surrounding probate courts
and maintain an active relationship with the Northeast Regional Children’s Probate Court in which I
serve as an attorney for minors in custody matters. Furthermore, I currently represent several local
Boards of Education in school expulsion proceedings, residency matters and transportation hearings in
the role of an Impartial Hearing Officer or administrative judge.

I live in Ellington with my husband, Erik, and children, Mallory (13) and Tyler (12,) and am an active
member of my community. I have volunteered at Windermere Elementary and Ellington Middle
Schools, and am a member of the Ellington Women’s Club, the Rotary Club of Rockville and the Tolland
Chamber of Commerce.

I am excited about the opportunity to help families in my community and believe that my probate law experience has given me invaluable insight into what it means to be a Judge of Probate, making me uniquely qualified to fill Judge Purnell’s seat on November 6th.

Patch Graphic: Kristin Borden