Ridgefield Voters to Choose Probate Judge Candidate in Primary Set for August 9

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield, Newtown, Bethel and Redding residents will get the opportunity to vote in a primary on Aug. 9 for either Daniel O'Grady, endorsed by the Bethel Republican Town Committee, or Ridgefield's Patrick Walsh, endorsed by the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee.

The winner of the primary will face off against Ridgefield Democrat Sharon Dornfeld and Ridgefield write-in Republican candidate Jennifer Collins. The overall winner will take over for Judge Joseph Egan who is retiring in October after reaching mandatory retirement age.

Walsh, a lifelong Ridgefield resident, received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and law degree from the University of San Diego. He practices law in Ridgefield with the law firm of Hastings, Cohan & Walsh LLP and has served the town for the last 15 years, three on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the last 12 years as a Planning and Zoning commissioner.

He said he has managed probate matters and represented individuals in various probate matters and has been appointed on numerous occasions by the Probate Court to assist the court as guardian ad litem. Walsh describes himself as a family man with over 20 years of experience and the knowledge required to handle family issues that come up managing probate matters.

Daniel O’Grady is the current Treasurer of the Town of Bethel, Attorney at Law and former Bethel Probate Judge. He has over 25 years experience in law with a concentration on Probate, Real Estate, Wills, Trusts, Criminal Defense & Bankruptcy in the Greater Danbury Area.

Collins, the founder and managing member of Collins & Associates, LLC, has represented the disabled, injured, elderly, children and parents in crisis in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties since 1998. “As a Magistrate and Small Claims Commissioner, I have earned a reputation for effectively managing large court dockets with respect and compassion. As an attorney, I have earned a strong reputation for advocacy, service and results," she said.

Northern Fairfield County Probate Court Judge Joseph Egan is retiring in October. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.