Regional Probate Judge Candidate Q&A: Peter W. Rotella

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:  Peter W Rotella

Age:  64

Hometown:  Stonington

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Education:   

• Bachelor of Science from University of Connecticut,
• Juris Doctor, Stetson University College of Law

Work Experience: I have practiced law for 38 years and I’m a partner in the firm of Rotella & Fabricant.  I have experience in probate, juvenile, family, criminal and personal injury law.

I’ve been appointed by the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court to act as an attorney trial referee and by the Chief Court Administrative Judge to act as an arbitrator fact finder.

I serve as a Special Public Defender for the State of Connecticut.

I also served as a U.S. Army Captain before being honorably discharged

Political/Civic Offices: 

• Member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee
•  Past Chair of the Groton Economic Development Commission
•  Treasurer of the Groton Long Point Volunteer Fire Department

Family: My wife, Kate and son Gianni. 

Why are you running for this office? As a longtime Attorney and resident in the District, I have always been committed to helping others.  When I started as a young attorney my mentor taught me that as lawyers we were there to help people. That’s been the hallmark of my practice ever since. I believe that the position of Probate Judge will allow me to continue to aid people during a very emotional time and make a difference in their lives.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I believe that my professional experience of 38 years in the legal field, as well as appearing in Court on a daily basis and my appointments by the Ct Judiciary provide me with a solid foundation to hear and decide probate matters. I will be sensitive to the needs of all and treat everyone fairly, with dignity and respect.

What’s been the biggest recent success of the Connecticut Probate Court System? I believe that the recent consolidation of the many Probate Courts can be viewed as a success for the system, because it will result in an overall savings for the State. At the same time the Court has maintained the level of one on one service to the people it serves. 

What’s been the biggest failure/challenge? As a result of the consolidation one of the biggest challenges will be accessibility. Since each Town in the District had a Court it was much easier for residents to access the System. Now that the Probate Court is located in Groton, residents in the other Towns may not be able to easily access the System.

What, if anything, would be different if you were elected probate judge? I will provide the residents in Groton, Ledyard, Stonington, and North Stonington the time, attention, and hometown care they deserve.   I will attempt to make the Court more accessible for all the residents of the District.