On May 19, 2016  Owen Eagan was nominated by the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee for the office of Probate Judge.  Joe Quinn (L.) submitted Eagan’s name for nomination and was seconded by Alexis Davidoff (R.).  The nomination took place at the West Hartford Town Hall in the crowded Town Council Chambers with scores of Eagan supporters in attendance.

• Lawyer with 30 years of probate experience
• Former West Hartford Deputy Mayor
• Former Democratic Town Committee Member
• Chairman of the Freedom of Information Commission
• Education
  • Georgetown University Law Center, J. D., 1985 Washington D. C.
  • Wesleyan University, B. A., 1982 Middletown, Connecticut
• Bar Admission
  • Connecticut 1986
  • United States federal District Court 1986
  • United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals 2005
• Other Town Service
  • Former member of the Ethic’s Commission
  • Former member of the West Hartford Town Planning and Zoning Commission
  • Former Council Liaison to the Advisory Commission for disabled persons
• Community Involvement
  • Youth Girls Basketball
  • Youth Girls Soccer
  • Youth Boys Basketball
  • Youth Boys Soccer
  • Youth Boys Football
  • Mercy Shelter Hartford Volunteer (present)
  • Participant in “Red Day” at Camp Courant (present)
  • Former Lectern St Marks church
• Member of the following boards & commissions
  • Chairman of the Freedom of Information Commission (present)
  • Member of the Connecticut Bar Association (present)
  • Member of the Hartford County Bar Association (present)
  • Member of the Probate Section of the Hartford County Bar Association (present)
  • Member of the Lawyer Referral Service Program (present)
• Recognition
  • 2015 Bice Clemow Champion of Open Government Award

 

“Owen Eagan is the only Democratic candidate with the breadth of experience and compassion necessary to be West Hartford’s next Judge of Probate. West Hartford deserves a probate judge who knows the town and the people in it. I strongly endorse Owen Eagan for West Hartford Probate Judge.”

Edward G. McAnaney
Connecticut Probate Judge (Retired)

 

“I am extremely pleased to see that Attorney Owen Eagan has announced his candidacy for West Hartford’s Judge of Probate. In nearly 30 years of practicing law, I have had countless dealings with Atty. Eagan and have found him to have an intimate knowledge of the West Hartford Probate Court and Connecticut’s probate laws. In addition, I believe Owen possesses the compassion and patience, together with a measured demeanor, that makes him perfectly suited for the position and will carry-on the exceptional legacies of judges Berman and Elkin.”

Attorney Andrew E. Kearns

 

“I have known Owen Eagan for many, many years. My late husband and I have been fortunate to have Owen as our attorney. I have found Owen to be honest, fair, trustworthy and capable. I can endorse Owen Eagan for Judge of Probate without reservation.”

Paula Casey

“From serving 31 years as a Probate Judge, I understand that a good probate judge must know the law but temper knowledge with respect towards all parties and consideration of their emotional turmoil. A probate judge must make tough decisions, but render them with kindness.

“I have known Owen Eagan for his entire career. These qualities are hallmarks of his professional and personal life. I have no doubt Owen will carry on his father’s tradition of excellence as a jurist and will provide outstanding service to the people who have recourse to the West Hartford Probate Court. I endorse Owen Eagan without reservation.”

Robert K. Killian, Jr.
Hartford Probate Judge (Retired)

 

 

What is a Probate Judge?

Judges of probate are the only elected members of the state judiciary. They are attorneys elected to serve in the Probate Court district in which they live. Presently there are 54 probate courts located throughout the state of Connecticut.

Probate courts handle a wide range of sensitive matters that affect Connecticut citizens from birth until death. These issues include conservatorships, guardianships, paternity issues, emancipation of minors, commitments of persons with psychiatric disabilities as well as decedent’s estates and trusts. This court is a statutory court governed by the state legislature.

 

How long do Probate Judges serve?

Judges are elected to hold office for a term of four years and their elections are held at the same time as the gubernatorial elections. When a judge is unable to complete his or her term, a special election is held and a new person is elected to serve for the balance of that judge’s term.

 

I heard this is a “Special Election”.  What does that mean?

Judge Elkin is presently serving as the West Hartford Probate Judge. His term expires in 2018. Judge Elkin turns 70 in October 2016. Because judges are required to retire at age 70, an election must be held to fill the remainder of Judge Elkin’s term. This election is called a Special Election.

 

When is Election Day?

There will be a Democratic primary on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. 

 

Where do I go to vote?

You generally vote in your polling place as designated by town officials.

 

Can I vote with an absentee ballot?

You can vote with an absentee ballot both in a primary on August 9 and in the election on November 8. Absentee ballots can be obtained by filling out an application requesting such a ballot. The application can be found on this website or can be obtained on the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website or the website for the town of West Hartford.

 

How can I request a lawn sign?

You can request a lawn sign by emailing me at the email address included in this website which is [email protected] or calling Judy at 860-521-8620.

 

Can I donate to this campaign?

Yes – any person can donate to the campaign. The maximum donation is $1,000.00.  All donations are appreciated.

Click here to donate by debit or credit card.

Or donations may be sent* to:

Eagan for Probate
Barbara Carpenter, Treasurer
P.O. Box 271328
West Hartford, CT 06127-1328

* this form (click here) must be completed with each donation. 

 

How can I get more involved?

No matter what your experience all are welcome. Campaigns are won at the grassroots level. Campaigns such as these are fun because they involve a diverse group of people from all walks of life. Thank you for anything you are willing to do.