Politics & Government

Regional Probate Judge Candidate Q&A: Nicholas F. Kepple

Patch Compiled Background Information On All Candidates Running For Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate Judge

On June 21, 2011 primaries will be held for the democratic and republican candidates seeking to become the next Judge of Probate for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate Court. Patch asked each candidate to answer a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. For additional election coverage visit Elections 2011.

Name:  Nicholas F. Kepple

Age:  59

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Hometown:  Stonington

Party Affiliation:  Democrat

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Education:

  • Juris Doctor, University of Bridgeport (now Quinnipiac), School of Law,
  • Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science, Drew University
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Assumption College

Work Experience:

  • President and Partner of Kepple, Cole-Chu,Cipparone, Avena & Zaccaro, P.C.
  • President and Partner of Kepple, Morgan & Avena, P.C.
  •  Associate at Suisman Shapiro Wool Brennan & Gray
  • Aide to then-Congressman Chris Dodd.

Political/Civic offices:

  • Stonington First Selectman
  • Stonington Board of Selectman
  • Board Member of Stonington Community Center, Stonington Visiting Nurses,
  • Member of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center Planning Committee,
  •  Corporator of Chelsea Groton Bank

Family:

Married to Noreen M. Kepple for thirty-seven wonderful years. Children: Benjamin (32), Rebekah (29), Jocelyn (25), Michala (23).

Why are you running for this office?

I am seeking this position because I have enjoyed helping so many people through various Probate Court matters over my twenty-two year law career. Whether probating estates, helping resolve will contests, working through custody or guardianship matters, fiduciary accountings or special needs trusts, I have found my probate practice very gratifying.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe what sets me apart from the other candidates is the breadth of my legal and life experience. In addition to my Probate experience, my diverse general practice has allowed me to become familiar with most of the legal issues faced by families and will strengthen my ability to help them during a difficult time in their lives. I have made countless, difficult decisions over the years as a town attorney, a First Selectman and as the father of four– all while diligently protecting the interests and preserving the trust of my clients.

What’s been the biggest recent success of the Connecticut Probate Court System?

The biggest recent success of the Probate Court system has been to meet the financial challenge to the prior system by achieving the economies associated with consolidation.

What’s been the biggest failure/challenge?

The Court system’s biggest challenge will be to maintain the same high quality of personal service in a consolidated environment, a challenge I am committed to meet through my full time efforts on behalf of the citizens of the Region.

What, if anything, would be different if you were elected probate judge?

My goal, if elected, is to ensure there is no difference in the great service the Region has been fortunate to receive from it’s Probate Court system.


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