Atty. Bill Rivera Announces Candidacy for Probate Judge

Former City Council Majority Leader Bill Rivera has announced that he is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Probate Judge.

“Today I am announcing that i will seek the Democratic nomination for Probate Judge for the New Britain- Berlin District,” Rivera said online.

“As most of you know,” said Rivera, “the law is my passion. I seek this next level of my career because it allows me to continue to work with all types of issues and people who are often overlooked in our society. The job will be challenging and rewarding.”

Rivera said that he wants, “to thank all the people who not only encouraged me to run but also those of you who have offered you support and your vote.”

“I am not looking for donations,” said Rivera. “I will however be asking for your vote when the time comes. Meanwhile i will work hard to reach out to the voters in the traditional way as well as updating my supporters here on Facebook.”

Pointing out that others are also seeking the position of Probate Judge in this year’s elections, Rivera stressed that, “I will not allow anyone in my post to disparage them in anyway. That is not what I stand for and its not who I am. So please if you cant say anything positive don’t say anything at all.”

On June 2nd, John McNamara reported, for the New Britain Progressive, that, Attorney Michael Carrier, “says he’s changing his party affiliation to gain the nod of Republicans,” adding,

Carrier’s sudden party switch avoids an expected Democratic primary against Attorney Bob Scalise, a partner at Ericson, Scalise & Mangan PC. Absent Carrier, however, the Democratic endorsement may also involve other candidates ahead of the endorsing convention. Attorney and former City Councillor William Rivera of the Rivera Law Group is also said to be considering a run. Attorney William Kinley, chief clerk at the Farmington regional probate court, has reached out to the Democratic Town Committee about his candidacy.

Connecticut Probate Courts, also known as “family courts” because of the nature of cases before them, primarily have jurisdiction over the administration and oversight of trusts and estates, including probating wills and the administration of estates; overseeing testamentary and living trusts; determining title to real and personal property; and determining the meaning of wills and trusts. Judges of Probate are responsible for overseeing court operations but are also allowed to maintain their own law practices.