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Democrat Elizabeth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington defeated Republican Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck in the race Tuesday for judge of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District.
The District 30 court serves Stonington, North Stonington, Groton and Ledyard. Leamon will replace Democrat Nick Kepple of Stonington when he reaches mandatory retirement age in September 2021. Kepple defeated Ritacco in 2018.
“I want to thank everyone for their support and thank Sal for running a positive race,” Leamon said late Tuesday night.
A mix of official results from Stonington and North Stonington and unofficial results from Groton and Ledyard show Leamon winning 20,143 votes to Rotacco’s 15,633.
Leamon, 53, is the managing partner of Leckerling Ladwig & Leamon LLC in Madison and Pawcatuck. She has said she has practiced exclusively in the area of probate and estate law for the past 12 years. She estimates she has made more than 800 appearances in 26 of the probate courts across the state.
Beth Leamon is the right candidate for judge of probate during this turbulent and challenging time. In the face of current uncertainty on so many fronts, the people of the 30th District need a judge of probate who has exhibited the ability to stand back and see the broader picture while remaining mindful of the importance of each small decision. In my experience, Beth is exactly that individual. A rare combination of creativity and realism has been a hallmark of Beth’s approach to sensitive and complicated matters. Her knowledge of the nuances in her field of law and her ability to work with clients in understanding their options was a great help to me and my family. With the use of narrative, and often a gentle sense of humor, she walked us through the future impact of our current decisions.
This blend of empathy and strategic thinking is essential to the future of the towns of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington, and North Stonington. Beth Leamon possesses these qualities, and she has my vote.
Susan Funk
Mystic
Experience matters in the probate court. In deciding sensitive personal and family matters, it is important to have a judge with a deep understanding of the law, unimpeachable integrity, and a profound sense of empathy. That is why I am voting for Beth Leamon as judge of probate for Connecticut’s 30th District.
Beth has practiced law for nearly 20 years, 12 of which have been exclusively dedicated to probate. She has provided a voice for our most vulnerable citizens including children, elderly and people with disabilities. She understands the complex dynamics that accompany probate proceedings, having guided hundreds of families through the system in delicate matters of inheritance, legal capacity, and guardianship. While empathetic, Beth does not shy away from tough topics and provides her clients with straightforward counsel to ensure they have all the information, both positive and negative, before deciding on a way forward.
Beth is a life-long resident of the area and understands the challenges of our community and its residents. By electing her as judge of probate we can be assured that our most private matters will be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. Join me in voting for Beth.
Tricia Wood
Mystic
The towns of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington will soon choose a new Judge of Probate. It is a position that has an impact on most families in our community at one time or another, so we must be sure to elect a qualified and caring advocate for our district.
I am pleased to support Beth Ladwig Leamon. I have known Beth for almost 30 years. She has the highest character and a moral compass that is always true.
I have worked with Beth on complex litigation matters and she is one of the best problem solvers I know. I have seen her do the right thing when the right thing was not the easiest thing. And since Beth will be working with families in probate, it is worth noting that I think as highly of her family as I do her.
A vote for Beth Ladwig Leamon will be good for families in our community. I know the voters of the 30th District will join me in voting for Beth Ladwig Leamon in the Special Election for the Judge of Probate on November 3.
Michael A. Hardesty, Esq.
Mystic
Democrat Elizabeth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington is running against Republican Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck in the race for judge of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District.
The court serves Stonington, North Stonington, Groton and Ledyard. The winner will replace Democrat Nick Kepple of Stonington, who is retiring.
Both candidates said they would be in court full time but maintain their private practices.
Convergence of passion and profession
Leamon, 53, grew up in Mystic and is the managing partner of Leckerling Ladwig & Leamon LLC in Madison and Pawcatuck. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College, a master’s degree from New York University and her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
She said she has practiced exclusively in the area of probate and estate law for the past 12 years. She estimates she has made more than 800 appearances in 26 of the probate courts across the state.
She said she chose to practice on probate and estate law because she said it is where she felt she could best impact individuals and families.
“The one thing I love about my job is helping families,” she said.
Leamon called probate the convergence of her passion for volunteering with organizations to help women, families and children and her professional life. She, like Ritacco, has worked as a court-appointed guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of children and teens in court proceedings.
“I’m able to bring my passion and profession together to help people navigate a difficult time,” she said.
She serves on the Stonington Housing Authority and the Stonington Free Library board and, having grown up in the area and lived in most of the communities in the district, she said she understands the needs of people here.
“This is a job I honestly feel was made for me,” she said.
Leamon said the job of the probate judge is to listen to people and let them know they are being heard, adding a judge has to demonstrate compassion, patience, fairness and knowledge.
“But at the end of the day you are the judge, so you have to have a decisive nature. You can’t be wishy-washy,” she said.
She said she would like to get out and talk to people about what the probate court does, especially health care professionals who are often the first ones to notice a person may need the services of a probate court. She said the use of virtual hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic have been helpful in saving clients time and money and she said she would like to continue to give people the option of a virtual hearing.
Beth Leamon is the best candidate for judge of probate in Connecticut’s 30th District. I have had the privilege of knowing Beth for 39 years. Her integrity is unparalleled. As her friend, and a lifetime community member, I know her to be kind and sincere without deviation.
I’ve had firsthand experience with Beth as it pertains to her professional experience. She guided my family and me through the very difficult loss of our beloved mother. Beth’s ability to be compassionate while still being fair is unchallenged. When Beth explained to us some hard-to-hear facts, she did it with incredible grace.
Beth Leamon is a perfect fit for probate judge and I believe she has been in training for this position her entire life. I urge voters not to just take my word, but to compare the background and credentials of both candidates. I am confident that they too will cast their vote for Beth on Nov. 3.
Colin Donahue
Stonington
I am pleased to support Beth Ladwig Leamon for Judge in the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District, encompassing the towns of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington.
I have known Beth since high school. She has always been there for me when I’ve had legal questions concerning myself or any nonprofit with which I might be working. She is a skilled listener and offers me clear, guided solutions.
I have worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years and recently started my own consulting business guiding nonprofits toward more sustainable practices. Beth was instrumental in giving me the confidence and encouragement to move in this direction and guided me on legal matters concerning new clients.
Beth and I share a passion for helping people in our community. We both serve on the board of the Stonington Housing Authority, at Edythe K. Richmond Homes. Beth is passionate about her role on the board and regularly offers free planning sessions for our residents answering their questions and addressing their concerns about estate matters.
Beth is supremely suited to be our Judge of Probate. Her care for our community, ability to listen, make informed decisions and understanding and respect for the law make her an excellent choice. I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of the role of the Judge of Probate. My younger sister has intellectual disabilities that have, on occasion, warranted the need for interaction with our Judge of Probate. Therefore, I am very aware that these issues can be highly sensitive and emotional. I trust Beth implicitly and value her judgment in these sensitive situations.
The voters in the 30th District are fortunate that Beth has decided to run for Judge of Probate. She will have my vote on Nov. 3.
Kate Careb
Stonington
I am pleased to support Beth Ladwig Leamon for Judge in the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District, encompassing the towns of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington.
I have known Beth since high school. She has always been there for me when I’ve had legal questions concerning myself or any nonprofit with which I might be working. She is a skilled listener and offers me clear, guided solutions.
I have worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years and recently started my own consulting business guiding nonprofits toward more sustainable practices. Beth was instrumental in giving me the confidence and encouragement to move in this direction and guided me on legal matters concerning new clients.
Beth and I share a passion for helping people in our community. We both serve on the board of the Stonington Housing Authority, at Edythe K. Richmond Homes. Beth is passionate about her role on the board and regularly offers free planning sessions for our residents answering their questions and addressing their concerns about estate matters.
Beth is supremely suited to be our Judge of Probate. Her care for our community, ability to listen, make informed decisions and understanding and respect for the law make her an excellent choice. I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of the role of the Judge of Probate. My younger sister has intellectual disabilities that have, on occasion, warranted the need for interaction with our Judge of Probate. Therefore, I am very aware that these issues can be highly sensitive and emotional. I trust Beth implicitly and value her judgment in these sensitive situations.
The voters in the 30th District are fortunate that Beth has decided to run for Judge of Probate. She will have my vote on Nov. 3.
Kate Careb
Stonington
STONINGTON — Attorney Beth Ladwig Leamon defeated challenger Sarah Moriarty by a greater than 2-to-1 margin to earn the Democratic nomination for 30th District probate judge.
During the Connecticut primary on Aug. 11, Leamon received a 4,146 from voters in Stonington, North Stonington, Groton and Ledyard, the four towns that comprise the probate district, while Moriarty received 1,547 votes. Attorney Matthew Berger, of Pawcatuck, withdrew from the primary in July.
Leamon, who credited Moriarty for running a positive campaign, defeated her opponent by a 1,586 to 416 tally in Stonington. Leamon was also victorious in North Stonington, 255-79.
“I am ready to take the next steps toward the November 3 general election and eager to serve the community of the 30th District as their Judge of Probate,” Leamon, who also thanked her family and voters, said in a news release. “It is important this year that we come together to ensure the election of our democratic candidates, and I look forward to working with Sarah to that end. I am honored to be the Democratic candidate for judge of probate.”
The 18-year veteran attorney will now run against Republican nominee Salvatore Ritacco, of Pawcatuck, in the November election as the two vie for a seat that will be vacated when Judge Nick Kepple retires at the end of his current term.
Leamon is a lifelong resident of the area. Her firm, Leckerling, Ladwig & Leamon, LLC, works exclusively in the field of trusts and estates, and since 2003 she has more than 800 appearances in probate court at 26 locations throughout Connecticut.
— Jason Vallee
By Kimberly Drelich
Attorney Beth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington has won the Democratic primary for probate judge in the 30th District, which encompasses Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.
The vote was 4,146 to 1,547, with Leamon, the party-endorsed candidate, receiving 72.83% of the votes, and challenger Sarah D. Moriarty of Groton receiving 27.17%, according to final results for the Aug. 11 primary from the Secretary of the State’s Office.
“I am ready to take the next steps toward the November 3, general election and eager to serve the community of the 30th District as their Judge of Probate,” Leamon said in a statement. “I wish to thank the voters in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington for their support, and the poll workers, town clerks and (registrars) of voters who braved the pandemic to ensure timely and accurate results. I also want to thank my family, campaign team and the democratic town committees in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington for their invaluable assistance during the primary.”
Leamon said she wanted to thank Moriarty for running a positive campaign. Leamon added that she is honored to be the Democratic candidate for judge of probate.
Leamon is the managing partner of Leckerling Ladwig & Leamon LLC in Madison and Pawcatuck, and serves on the Stonington Democratic Town Committee, Stonington Housing Authority and the local library board.
Attorney Moriarty is the owner of the law firm Deasy & Moriarty in Mystic and chair of the Mystic Historic District, and she volunteers for Mystic River Congregate, Groton Community Meals and Mystic Eats.
Moriarty could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.
Attorney Matthew Berger had withdrawn from the race.
Republicans have endorsed Attorney Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck, who is a corporate member of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and also is involved in the Greater Mystic and Ocean Community chambers of commerce.
A special election will be held on Nov. 3 to elect the next judge of probate for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District, who will step in to serve the rest of Judge Nicholas Kepple’s term when he retires.
Kepple was re-elected in 2018 to a four-year term, but he will reach mandatory retirement age in September 2021, before the end of his term.
With Judge Nick Kepple’s impending retirement in Connecticut’s Southeastern Regional Probate District, our local Democratic Party has endorsed Beth Ladwig Leamon as their candidate for the November 2020 special election. Beth is currently facing a primary challenge within her own party, to be decided by affiliated voters on Aug. 11.
I have known Beth since we were both young children, and we are now colleagues in the same law firm. As a result, I am convinced that Beth Ladwig Leamon has the empathy, integrity and legal experience needed to be both a successful candidate for office and an effective Judge of Probate.
The Probate Court will affect each of our lives at one time or another, and the significance of electing a competent, accomplished, and caring Judge of Probate cannot be overstated. Beth has dedicated her career to representing local families before our Probate Court in all variety of matters, and this experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve the families and residents of our district as Probate Judge for many years to come.
The role of Probate Judge is too important for on-the-job training, and I know that Beth can hit the ground running on her first day in office.
R. Cris Palmer, Esq.
Campaign Treasurer, Leamon for Probate
Stonington
I would like to express my support for Beth Leamon, a lifelong area resident, who is running for the Judge of Probate position vacated by Judge Nick Kepple. She is the Democratic-endorsed candidate for the position and I recommend voters support her candidacy for the Judge of Probate for the towns of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington.
Besides having the necessary experience for the position, practicing law for over 18 years focusing on trust and estate law, she is a caring and compassionate person. She is actively involved with her children, one a sophomore in college and another a sophomore in high school. I taught at Mystic Middle School when both her children went there and know her as a caring and involved parent. She was actively engaged in her children’s education, chaperoning multiple field trips, including the day-long music adjudication field trip — which includes shepherding 6th-, 7th- or 8th-graders safely through Six Flags Amusement Park.
I also know Beth through the Stonington Democratic Town Committee. She co-planned the Black Lives Matter rally in the Stonington Borough and is always willing to help other Democratic candidates by working on phone banks and going door-to-door with candidates.
I urge readers to vote for Beth for Judge of Probate in the upcoming primary.
Bruce Yarnall
Pawcatuck
I would like to express my support and enthusiasm for Beth Ladwig Leamon, the endorsed Democratic candidate for the position of Judge of Probate in the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington. I have known Beth and her family for almost 50 years. Recently, when my husband Roger Panciera passed away, she guided me and my family through the estate settlement process efficiently and with great compassion. It was an extremely difficult time for us all and it was comforting to have someone with her legal expertise at our side. I am confident that she will bring the same high degree of experience, knowledge and caring to the probate bench. I wholeheartedly support her nomination for Judge of Probate, and I know that if Roger were here he would do so as well.
I urge readers to vote for Beth in the upcoming primary on Aug. 11.
Glenda Panciera
Mystic
Two candidates are facing off in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary for the Judge of Probate for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District.
The Democratic primary features party-endorsed candidate Beth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington and challenger Sarah D. Moriarty of Groton. Attorney Matthew Berger has withdrawn from the race.
The winner will be the Democratic candidate in the Nov. 3 special election to fill the remainder of Judge Nick Kepple’s term when he retires. Kepple, who was re-elected to a four-year term in 2018, will reach mandatory retirement age in September 2021.
The 30th District covers the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.
Attorney Leamon, 53, managing partner of Leckerling Ladwig & Leamon LLC, located in Pawcatuck and Madison, said she practices exclusively in the area of trusts, estates, wills and probate and has a deep knowledge of probate law. She was named Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2019. Leamon, who grew up in Mystic, serves on the Stonington Housing Authority, the local library board, and also does pro-bono work.
She said she is compassionate and fair, and her passion for working with children, families and the elderly and her knowledge of the law dovetailed into her being a good fit for the probate judge position. As a member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee, she said she is also active in local politics and has been committed to the region her entire life.
“Sometimes you see a purpose calling you, and I thought this would be a great job,” Leamon said. “I could put all of my skills and my passion to use.”
She said the Southeastern regional court is run extremely well, so one of her goals would be to continue that exceptional service and be timely and responsive to people who use the court system. She also would like to continue Kepple’s work of doing local outreach and bringing educational programs to the public so they understand what the probate court does.
Attorney Moriarty, 43, grew up in Stonington and is the owner of the law firm, Deasy & Moriarty of Mystic. She practices estate planning, probate and elder law, as well as real estate and business law, which she said enables her to serve the whole needs of her clients. Her civic involvement includes chairing the Mystic Historic District and volunteering for Mystic River Congregate, Groton Community Meals, and Mystic Eats, along with pro-bono work.
She said she is running for the position because the work is important to her and she thinks she would be good at it.
“The people who go through the probate court are important to me,” she said.
As a lawyer, she said she’s helped people in difficult situations, and similarly the people who go before a probate judge are at challenging points in their lives. She said they need to be guided and treated empathetically and kindly and she said she would be really good at doing that.
She said the 30th District probate court already is one of the most efficient probate courts in the state. If elected, her priority is to ensure people who are coming through the court system are treated with as much respect as possible and to educate them as much as possible.
She would like to hold small forums, such as at the library or the senior center, to talk with people about the process for estate planning or adoption, for example.
Attorney Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck, who serves on the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and is a corporate member of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, is the Republican-endorsed candidate for the 30th District Judge of Probate race.
July 28, 2020
STONINGTON, CT — Beth Ladwig Leamon is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the office of Judge of Probate in Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington. She is holding a meet and greet event in each town prior to the August 11 primary election.
The schedule for the gatherings is:
Stonington: Friday • 7/31 • 4-6PM
Spellman Park, Pawcatuck
Ledyard: Saturday • 8/1 • 10AM-12PM
Jane Perry Pavilion at Highland Lake
North Stonington: Sunday • 8/2 • 12-2PM
The Pavilion, North Stonington Recreation
Rocky Hollow Road
Groton: Sunday • 8/2 • 4-6PM
Washington Park, Pavilion #2
Masks are required and refreshments will be served. All events are open to the public.
Leamon is running for the seat to be vacated by Judge Nick Kepple upon his retirement. A lifelong resident of the area, she is eager to see old friends and meet new ones at these get-togethers. Her law practice is exclusively in the field of trusts and estates. In 18 years of practice, she has more than 800 Appearances in Probate Court and experience in 26 Probate Courts throughout Connecticut.
July 18, 2020
STONINGTON —Elizabeth (Beth) Ladwig Leamon has received endorsement for the Democratic nomination for Judge of Probate serving the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington from the Democratic town committees of Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stonington.
She is running to replace Nick Kepler, who is retiring.
A practicing attorney for 18 years, Leamon is currently a partner in the firm of Leckerling, Ladwig & Leamon. Leamon grew up in Mystic and currently lives in Stonington.
She is a member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee.
— Sun staff
July 7, 2020
Democrats have endorsed attorney Elizabeth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington as their candidate for Probate Judge for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District…
“If elected, I will be able resolve the complex issues that come before probate court. I believe my many years of legal experience and my lifelong ties to the community uniquely position me for the job. I am passionate about serving this region and helping families, the elderly and children,” she said in a release announcing her endorsement by the party.
Leamon said she will be announcing a series of “meet and greet” events throughout the district.
July 2, 2020
Press release from Leckerling, Ladwig & Leamon:
Stonington CT: Attorney Elizabeth (Beth) Ladwig Leamon has announced that she has received the endorsement for Democratic nomination for Judge of Probate serving the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.
A practicing attorney for 18 years, and currently a partner in the firm of Leckerling, Ladwig & Leamon LLC, Attorney Leamon’s law practice is centered on the shoreline from New Haven to Stonington. She is exclusively dedicated to working with clients on estate planning, estate settlement and matters in probate court.
Beth grew up in Mystic and currently lives with her family in Stonington. Over the years she has also lived in Pawcatuck, Gales Ferry and North Stonington. Leamon is a member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee.
A 1989 Cum Laude graduate of Connecticut College, Leamon also graduated from The University of Connecticut School of Law with honors. She went on to serve Justice Richard N. Palmer as 2002-2003 law clerk at the Connecticut Supreme Court. Leamon says, “If elected, I will be able resolve the complex issues that come before probate court. I believe my many years of legal experience and my lifelong ties to the community uniquely position me for the job. I am passionate about serving this region and helping families, the elderly and children.”
Leamon will be announcing a series of “meet and greet” events throughout the district in the near future. She is eager to hear the concerns and questions of local residents regarding estate and probate matters.