Oxford, AL – Approximately 40 individuals assembled at the Oxford Civic Center on Tuesday night to listen to the perspectives and to learn the about the three candidates vying for the position of probate judge in Calhoun County.

Shirley Millwood, Jon Garlick, and Julie Borrelli engaged in a question-and-answer session moderated by “Tex” Carter, the morning show announcer on WHMA radio. During this session, Carter presented a series of inquiries designed to gauge the candidates’ comprehension of the responsibilities associated with the role of probate judge and how their individual skill sets align with the requirements of the job.

The event, orchestrated by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, was live-streamed by The Calhoun Journal. The complete video of the event can be found at the conclusion of this article. Furthermore, each question directed to the candidates is shown below so you can hear the candidates answers.

Rules and Introductions:

Question 1:  The probate judge position has been long referred to as the people’s judge, because of the probate judge. They’re intertwined into everyone’s life in some fashion. What qualifications do you bring to the position from education to experience that isn’t that is most important to the citizens of Calhoun County to consider you the most qualified for their next probate judge.

Question 2:  The probate judge is the chief election officer for the county certifying all state and county elections. Security of elections has been a major concern of the last few years. We have a very good system in Calhoun County at present, but everything can stand to look to improve the system. The question is, what ideas and suggestions do you have to improve the integrity of elections in Calhoun County, if any.

Question 3:  What knowledge or experience do you have of election laws and enforcement?

 


Question 4:  Most people have experienced relying on the probate judge with an actual probate of a will or a state. What experience do you have in this field? And what experience do you think is needed for this very important role?

Question 5: Approving and supervising guardianships and conservatorships involuntary commitments and adoptions. These are key duties of the probate judge. And this often involves difficult judgments weighing conflicting interests and concerns that are at the heart of family structure. What experience and or education do you have that would prepare you to perform this duty fairly and effectively?

Question 6:  Management of deeds and records, both physically and digitally, is a huge responsibility of the probate judge. What experience do you have that qualifies you to perform this duty and how knowledgeable are you of the process?

Question 7:  There are fiduciary duties of management of public funds along with other assets. For this reason a bond is required for the probate judge, the voters need to know and expect honesty that a candidate is qualified in this area, a quick check of public records can easily verify or dismiss any concerns. If there, is there any history and your experiences financially or criminally, that would burden your ability to be bonded for this position.

Question 8:  Budget and human resources duties are an integral part of the success and survival of the probate office. What qualifications do you have to manage this office? And what is your history of preparing a budget or your history of managing professional people working through civil service and the board system?

Question 9:  Since none of the candidates I’ve ever been on the benches with Judge, would you please give to the audience your definition and explanation of ex parte communications?

Question 10:  What immediate, and what short term changes do you intend to make to the Office of probate judge upon installation into the office.

Question 11:  As a probate judge of Calhoun County, you’re faced with a probate issue that you’ve never faced or are familiar with. Can you please explain your thoughts on resolving this issue? And where or who would you rely upon to assist you with this important issue?

Question 12:  Would you explain your familiarity with the redaction process as it relates to court and to public records? Along with your answer? Could you explain how the process works?

Question 13:  Social media and web pages have become a major part of reaching people and conducting business. What changes in the in this area might improve the probate judges office efficiency and your customers experience.

Closing Statements: As the engaging forum drew to a close, the candidates were afforded the opportunity to deliver closing statements, providing insightful summaries of the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the probate judge position. Each candidate articulated their individual goals for the role, offering a glimpse into the distinct qualities and aspirations that set them apart. These closing statements allowed voters to better understand the candidates’ qualifications, vision, and commitment to the responsibilities of the probate judge position in a condensed statement.

 

Full Forum