Candidate Profile: Patrick Birney, Wallingford Judge Of Probate

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Patrick Birney, 56, of Wallingford, is running for Wallingford Judge of Probate as a Republican.

Campaign website

https://www.birneyprobate.com

Party affiliation

Republican (although the position is non-partisan)

Education

LL.M. (Masters in Law), St. Johns University of School; JD, University of New Hampshire School of Law; MBA, Loyola University Chicago; BA, University of Dayton

Occupation

Partner, Robinson & Cole, LLP. Practicing Law 24 Years

Family

Married to life-long Wallingford resident, Paige (Catala) Birney; proud father of Benjamin (26) and Emily (20)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

7 Years as Vice-Chair of Wallingford Public Utilities Commission; 12 Years on Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission; 2 Years on Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals

Why are you seeking this office?

"To whom much is given, much is expected." I have been blessed with a diverse, 24-year legal career and rich experiences from my lifetime of service to Wallingford. I want to take my unique skillset to help Wallingford and its residents as its next Probate Judge.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is continuing the legacy of our retiring probate judge. I am the one candidate who is uniquely qualified to continue Judge Wright's legacy. I have over 24 years of legal experience, a lifetime of service to Wallingford and a long record of commitment to seniors, the intellectually disabled and the underserved (including victims of domestic violence). I will take these unique qualifications and continue Judge Wright's legacy.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

I have been practicing law for more than 24 years and was a partner at one of Connecticut's oldest and largest law firms-managing teams of lawyers and staff-before my opponent even graduated from law school. My 24 year law practice has been richly diverse with extensive probate experience, including: probate trial and appellate experience; serving as a Guardian Ad Litem in probate proceedings; serving as the attorney for estate fiduciaries (administrator/executor); representing various parties in contested probate proceedings, estate planning and lecturing on probate issues. I am also a Trustee under multiple inter vivos trusts. My opponent has been practicing in Connecticut since June 2016 (6 years) and her credentials, when scrutinized, reflect limited experience as an estate planner and an attorney for estate fiduciaries. I also have extensive trial experience. I have appeared in state and federal courts (across the United States and including Connecticut probate courts) since November 1998. Close scrutiny of my opponent's record reflects that she has zero (0) trial experience. The Probate Court is a court of law, where burdens of proof and the Connecticut Rules of Evidence control. I will be judge ready on Day 1. Finally, I have a record of commitment to Wallingford, serving on multiple town boards and non-profits, spanning a lifetime. I have been unable to find any evidence of any service to the Town or its non-profits by my opponent.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

My goal throughout this campaign has been to "stay positive" and focus on my credentials and experiences, which make clear why I am the one candidate uniquely qualified to serve as our next Wallingford Probate Judge. Unfortunately, my opponent has used the last week to "go negative". A comparison of our records undermines her efforts: 24 Years in a richly diverse law practice vs. 6 Years of limited probate practice; Extensive Trial Experience vs. No Trial Experience; A Record of Commitment to Wallingford vs. No Record.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

More than 7 years as Vice Chair of the Wallingford Public Utilities Commission; 13 Years on Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission; 2 Years on Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals; co-founder of GROWERS, Inc., a Wallingford-based not-for-profit dedicated to the intellectually disabled, helped raise hundreds of thousands for the Gaylord hospital; and Trustee and member of Executive Committee of Masonicare* (*I have announced that I would resign from the Masonicare Board if elected).

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best piece of advice I have ever received is "never burn a bridge."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am the one candidate uniquely qualified to serve as our next Wallingford Probate Judge.