I had the privilege to sit down with Lisa Wexler, candidate for
Probate Judge In Westport. This was such a great learning experience
for me as I knew nothing about what a Probate Judge actually does. No
matter which party you are affiliated with, it is extremely important
to know about the candidates and the offices for which they are being
elected.
What do Probate Judges do?
A Probate Judge is an advocate for the people who can no longer speak
for themselves, as well as those who are young. Probate Judges process
estates of people with and without wills. They approve adoptions. They
hear the cases of people with Dementia and Alzheimer's, and children
with special needs who grow into adulthood. The Probate judge
appoints conservators and guardians for these people. Sometimes it is
family or a friend but sometimes it has to be a stranger and the
Probate Judge has to find someone with good integrity and good
intentions. It is a job of importance. More than about the law, you
have to care about people.
Why are you running for Probate Judge?
I have always been an advocate for special causes and for those who
cannot speak for themselves. I was on the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Westport
and served for a total of 6 years. I was a neighborhood advocate.
Through my radio show I have been able to educate and advocate for a
great many causes, including our successful battle to fund newborn
screening for every baby in CT for the life threatening disease of
SKID, a primary immunodeficiency disease that is always fatal if not
found and cured very early in life.
You graduated with Honors from The Johns Hopkins University with a
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1981. You received the Juris
Doctorate from The New York University School of Law in 1984, you won the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law. You entered the New York Bar in 1985 and Connecticut Bar in 1989. You also had your own practice for 30 years. Clearly you are qualified, but what makes you the better choice?
I have served our community as an elected and appointed town official
before, with love for our values and our neighborhoods. I am not
running for this office to attract new law clients; on the contrary, I
have promised that I will only do work for existing clients, who would
not want me to abandon them. I have experience in our own
Westport/Weston court for 20 years- the clerks there know me on a
first name basis. My background, experience and commitment to the
people make me the better choice.
Many of us know you from the radio, will you be able to stay on the
radio if you win?
Yes, because the job is 20-40 hours week. I wouldn't be running if I
couldn't wholeheartedly do this job and give it my all. Plus, I will
try to hold evening court hours, I need permission but I intend to ask
for it. I will be very accessible to all.
If you would like to meet Lisa and learn more, please come join us
for coffee and lite-bites on October 8th from 8:30-10:00 at J.K.
Cafe.12 Old Mill Rd Weston. Next to La Rue Elayne at Cobb's Mill
in Weston.
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