Representatives from New Milford, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Bridgewater and Sherman Republican Committees met in Sherman Thursday evening to vote on the Republican candidate for the new consolidated Probate Court, set to convene in New Milford next year.

New Milford-Bridgewater Judge Martin Landgrebe and New Fairfield-Sherman Judge William DeFeo, both Republicans, were seeking the nomination of the party. DeFeo won the poll 20 to 13.

Brookfield's Judge Joseph Secola, also a Republican, declined to run for the new consolidated office.

The meeting took place at the Sherman School, where not a single delegate from any town went unrepresented. Nine delegates were in attendance for the town of Brookfield, with Harry Shaker of the Board of Education (BOE) serving as alternate for Bill Tinsley, who was unable to attend. Sherman RTC Chair George Linkletter called the meeting to order followed shortly by the formal roll call, a meeting of the Rules and Credentials committees during a brief recess, the reconvening and announcing of the convention rules and the confirmation of representative credentials.

The first nomination was made for DeFeo with a seconding speech given by his daughter, Sherman attorney Christina Crowe. Landgrebe's nomination was made next with a seconding speech by New Milford Town Clerk and longtime friend George Buckbee. The nominations closed and the state mandated voiced voting began, tallied by Carol Havens, Secretary of the Convention and Town Clerk of Sherman.

The result cast in favor of Justice DeFeo, broken down as follows: Sherman — 3 of 3 delegates for DeFeo; New Milford — 11 of 11 for Landgrebe; Bridgewater — 2 votes for DeFeo, 1 to Landgrebe; New Fairfield — 7 of 7 for DeFeo.

With the vote tied at 12-12, Brookfield determined the outcome with eight delegates polling for DeFeo and one for Landgrebe. Delegate Geoffrey Hunton of Brookfield made the single vote for Landgrebe, saying, "It was a difficult choice to make, both men are very qualified."

DeFeo accepted his nomination, stating he has worked and been friends with Landgrebe for eight years, regretting any conflict created by this consolidation. "This new law will improve probate delivery and you will be glad you gave me the support you have tonight," DeFeo assured.

When asked to comment Landgrebe said, "This is a step in the process. I, for one, have become part of many families through my work over the years and it has been enriching and rewarding."