Letters to the Editor...
Click on a name to read their letters of support.
Jaime Barr Shelburn
Former Probate Clerk
As a former Clerk of the Probate Court, I can say that Seth will, without a doubt, make a wonderful Probate Judge.
I have worked with Seth as co-directors on the Board of Directors of the CT Association of Boards of Education and I have had many opportunities to gauge his work in public service roles. He has always appeared to have upstanding ethics and has abstained from matters where he is potentially conflicted. He has always listened to me and provided excellent, fair feedback. And he has compassion for the times when it is needed.
Having been in the trenches of the Probate system, I believe Seth will be an excellent choice, and I cannot wait to see the things he will do.
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Kim Mastriano-Guile
As the parent of a child with a developmental disability, I hadn't realized how significant a role the probate court would play in our lives until we were faced with real challenges. When my son turned 18, we learned in order to continue advocating for him and ensuring his health and financial needs were met, we needed to apply for guardianship through the probate court. Since then, we have relied on the court to help us navigate critical decisions in our son's life - including one where the judge's approval was required for a life altering medical treatment. Without a judge who was open to understanding our son's condition and compassionate enough to consider his unique needs, the outcome could have been very different.
When I discovered that the Madison-Guilford Probate Judge position was up for election this year, I took the time to research the candidates. Seth Klaskin quickly stood out as the clear choice. Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to get to know Seth, and he has consistently shown himself to be a man of integrity, fairness, compassion, and accessibility - qualities that make him exceptionally well-suited to serve our community in this important role.
Galen Cawley
Board of Education Member
I have had the priviledge of working with Seth Klaskin on the Madison Board of Education for over six years, the last four of which he has chaired. Seth has encouraged collegiality while working tirelessly with the District to oversee several remarkable accomplishments in our school system. Together, the Board has kept our annual tax increases among the lowest in the state. Seth has led the Board in a non-partisan manner, such as making sure that committees are balanced and always giving the minority party a voice. Seth Klaskin is a friend, and more importantly, a long-time dedicated public servant.
Ron Soja
Vibe Show Choir Director
When asked by a current Vibe parent, Ron Soja stated, "Seth Klaskin was integral in getting Daniel Hand High School's Show Choir our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status ten years ago. Because of his actions, our show choir has been able to compete at a national level. Establishing the nonprofit organization has enabled many students to join us at national competitions who otherwise might not have been able to afford the travel. Our community and especially our students are extremely grateful for his actions."
Jes Joseff, LMFT
"Having worked alongside Seth on different projects, I can attest to his compassion, diligence, exceptional communication skills, and integrity. These qualities, along with his legal expertise, make him an outstanding candidate for this vital role.
Seth approaches his work with a systemic perspective, recognizing that every case is unique and complex. He addresses problems thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring all aspects are considered before reaching a decision. He strikes a rare balance between empathy and fairness, creating an environment where all parties feel heard and respected--essential in probate matters that often involve sensitive family dynamics.
His thorough and timely communication has also been invaluable. Seth consistently provides context and clarity, ensuring that those working with him understand the full picture. This not only facilitates collaboration but also demonstrates his commitment to transparency and fairness.
Seth's record reflects his dedication to upholding the law and ensuring justice. I wholehearedly support him and believe he will serve Guilford and Madison with integrity, compassion, and expertise our communities deserve."
Steven Pynn
Board of Education
Maureen Hackett Lewis
Board of Education
"When I was first getting to know Seth as a member of the Board of Education it was clear that he was very capable, focused and adept at navigating the twists and turns of leading a varied group of personalities toward the common good. What was most memorable for me however was how he responded to a very angry room filled with parents who were vilifying every member of the board for the district's policy on mask wearing during the pandemic. Some were quite threatening and the atmosphere was tense. Seth calmly but assertively welcomed their right to address the board and assured them that their concerns were being heard but also underscored that there would be civility and that they were addressing volunteer neighbors who put in hundreds of hours in support of their children. He showed respect for them but also stood by his fellow board members. He demonstrated fortitude while under fire and my respect for him leaped in those moments. He never lost sight of the students and families that he served. These are qualities that will continue to serve this community as a Judge of Probate."
I have the privilege of working alongside Seth Klaskin on the Madison Board of Education, where I have seen first-hand his fairness, steadiness, and compassion. As Chair, he leads with integrity and always puts people above politics, guiding the Board through complex decisions with patience and respect for every perspective.
I also know from my own life experience how important these qualities are in a probate judge. When I was younger and grieving the loss of my father, I remember having to meet with the probate judge. It was intimidating and emotional, yet it was a necessary step. Families walking into probate court are often at their most vulnerable, and what they need is someone who combines legal expertise with empathy, understanding, and kindness.
That is exactly what Seth is. His proven leadership, his compassion, and his integrity make him the kind of person I would want sitting across the table in those difficult moments, and I know he will serve Guilford and Madison with distinction as probate judge. I encourage you to join me in supporting him this November.
Robyn Klaskin
I have had the privilege of watching Seth serve his community as a man of integrity, compassion, and deep commitment to serving others. He has served on the Board of Education and other Boards for as long as I can remember. He approaches every challenge with patience, fairness, empathy, and respect for all people—qualities that I know will make him an excellent Probate Judge. He demonstrates a steady sense of responsibility, the ability to listen with empathy, and a strong moral compass that guides his decisions. He has always been someone who treats others with dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Probate Court often deals with sensitive and emotional matters, and I can say without hesitation that my husband, Seth Klaskin, has the wisdom, compassion, and integrity to handle these responsibilities with the care they deserve. He truly believes in justice, fairness, and doing what is right for the community.
I am proud to stand beside Seth and wholeheartedly support his candidacy for Probate Judge.