Tiernan Nominated As Democratic Party 35th District Probate Judge

BRANFORD, CT — Attorney Chuck Tiernan was nominated to represent the Democratic Party in the election for Probate Judge for the 35th District covering Branford and North Branford. The Democratic Convention to select a candidate for Probate Judge was held on May 12 at the Branford Community Center.

Tiernan was nominated following the announced retirement of Probate Judge Frank Forgione. Forgione was first elected in 2010 when the 35th Probate Judge District was first created. Previously, Forgione served as North Branford probate judge from 1990 to 2010.

A lifelong Branford resident, Tiernan told the convention members, “I was lucky enough to grow up here. I want to make a difference in the communities where I would serve: Branford and North Branford.”

An attorney at Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, for almost 40 years, Tiernan told the convention members that he has “a diverse practice and over his career has handled virtually every type of probate case” including guardianships, estates, adoption, name changes and appointing conservators and psychiatric commitments. He has been appointed by superior court judges to represent minors and act as guardian ad litem. Tiernan has represented clients in cases involving termination of parental rights in juvenile court and handled custody and paternity matters.

“The cases I find most rewarding are those helping children and families and I can think of no better way to continue that than as a probate judge,” Tiernan was quoted as saying.

Tiernan, who was educated in Branford schools, received his B.A. from Trinity College and his law degree from Drake University, where he was an editor on the Drake Law Review. He has served as Chairman of the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission, which makes recommendations on the appointment of judges.

Tiernan said that this assignment has "taught him what qualities are most important in a judge: “temperament, compassion, personality, common sense, and knowledge of law.”

Talking about what motivated him to run for Probate Judge, Tiernan said that he appreciated the work of the retiring Probate Judge Frank Forgione and his predecessor, John Donegan.

Tiernan said that, like them, he “would like to help members of the community deal with their problems in a compassionate and common-sense way.”

Although Probate Judge is not a political position, delegates at the convention felt that Tiernan, because of his experience and community ties, would draw votes from a broad section of the electorate in both communities.