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Interim Register of Probate seeks permanent position

Date: 2/13/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – There is another candidate for the position of register of Probate – the person currently doing that job.

The Interim Register of Probate Suzanne Seguin has announced her run for the office. Although she wasn’t initially planning to run for the job, she said her friends and family have encouraged her to seek the six-year term.

She explained to Reminder Publications that she has been a trial court employee for 32 years, has worked in the office of Probate for the last 15 years and has been the interim register for the last 15 months.

Seguin described the office of Probate as “the administrative system within the judicial system.” She said the office maintains the court’s permanent records.

Seguin had been the former head administrative assistant to Register Thomas Moriarty who retired on Nov. 30, 2012. She was appointed interim register by Judge Anne M. Geoffrion, first justice of the Probate and Family Court, Hampden Division, and sworn in on Dec. 3, 2012.

A Westfield resident, Seguin grew up in Southwick. She is running as an independent, which will secure her a place on the November ballot.

State Sen. Gale Candaras has declared her intention to run and former Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette has been exploring his option to run. Seguin insisted her candidacy is not about politics, but rather focuses on “experience” as she is the only candidate so far who has actually performed the duties of the job.

“It’s different,” she said of the position. “It’s not about politics, [but] the running of the office.”

When asked what are the issues in the race, Seguin said, “There are no issues.” She added she is always looking at how the various duties are performed at the office and seeking ways to improve them.

Among her experiences in the office, she has trained employees throughout the Trial Court in various computer software programs and has involved in the creation and implementation of the MassCourts system as well as being a Local User Expert for MassCourts users seeking assistance.

“Everyone who enters the Registry of Probate is given a prompt and efficient response while being treated with dignity and respect. I welcome the opportunity to continue the process of improvement while keeping the court functioning at a high level,” Seguin said.