Regional Probate Judge Candidate Q&A: Eric Janney

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: Eric Janney

Age:  45

Hometown: Grew up in Groton, currently lives in Pawcatuck

Party Affiliation: Republican

Education: 

• Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, cum laude, Georgetown University
• Juris Doctor, with honors, University of Connecticut School of Law

Work Experience:  Member (owner), Block, Janney & Pascal, LLC,  with offices in Mystic and Norwich; principal in O'Brien, Shafner, Stuart, Kelly & Morris, P.C.,  with offices in Groton, Norwich and Old Lyme.

Political/Civic offices:

• Board of directors; current president, Chelsea Groton Foundation
• Board of State Academic Awards (serves as board of trustees for Charter Oak State College and the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium) 
• Board of Corporators, Chelsea Groton Bank
• Co-founder and president, Fitch Senior High Alumni Foundation, Inc.
• Chairman, Mystic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.
• Vice Chairman, Connecticut Commission on Community Service
• Board of Corporators, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
• Member and past chairman, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
• Co-founder and corporate secretary, Groton Parks Foundation, Inc.
• Chairman of Board of Directors, H.O.P.E., Inc., in New London

Family: Single

Why are you running for this office?  I am running for judge of probate as an extension of my deep commitment to helping others.  Whether as an attorney assisting clients or as a civic and charitable volunteer, giving back to the community is of paramount importance to me.  With almost 20 years experience handling sensitive matters before the probate court, I will ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and compassion.  Estates, conservatorships and childrens' matters often lead to frustration and anxiety, thus it will be my constant goal that the court works with maximum efficiency on behalf of families in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?  I think the breadth and depth of my legal experience in matters involving estate administration, estate planning and long-term care sets me apart from other candidates.  In addition, having had a parent with a long-term, debilitating illness has sensitized me to the needs of families who may not be able to care for loved ones at home. Finally, my involvement as a volunteer in a wide range of community activities has helped me know the people of our region well, so that there will be a comfort level when they may have issues for the court.

What’s been the biggest recent success of the Connecticut Probate Court System?  The regionalization of the probate court system, although a recent development, I am sure will pay long-term benefits.  The consolidation of court resources and staff will provide terrific service to citizens who use the court.

What’s been the biggest failure/challenge?    As an active practitioner within the local probate court system, I have not seen any failures.  Certainly with the regionalization there can be challenges in making all of the residents of the four towns feel that they are receiving sufficient personalized service and attention, but the court's staff are all true professionals and I am confident that they have made the transition smooth for all parties involved.  

What, if anything, would be different if you were elected probate judge?  Our region has been extremely fortunate to have a long history of judges of probate who have provided efficient and compassionate service to our citizens.  I will endeavor to continue that tradition and hope to regularly be out in the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington with informational sessions and office hours as needed.