Calhoun County, AL – In a significant development, Julie Borrelli has officially declared her candidacy for the position of Calhoun County Probate Judge. With a diverse background encompassing military service, academic achievements, legal practice, and community involvement, Borrelli stressed that she brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the role.
The Probate Judge in Calhoun County plays a crucial role in various aspects of community life, including handling name changes, adoptions, contests to adoptions, involuntary commitment of the mentally ill, condemnation of privately owned land for public use (eminent domain), guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for minor children and adults who are mentally ill and/or physically incapacitated, and the administration of decedents’ estates, regardless of whether they had a last will and testament. The Probate Judge also manages public records, serves as the chief election officer, officiates marriages, and commissions notaries.
After speaking to Mrs. Borrelli she stated her decision to enter the race is driven by her belief in the importance of these responsibilities and her desire to serve the community.
Borrelli’s career path includes roles as the Finance Director for the City of Anniston and later, as a practicing attorney specializing in family law and probate matters. Her community involvement is substantial important to her as well and she stressed that is key to her wanting this position. She shared that she is serving on several boards, including Vice President of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Foundation, McClellan Development Authority, and the MPO Citizens Advisory Committee.
When asked why she is running for Probate Judge she said, “I believe it is important that the person filling this seat not only has a thorough understanding of how to apply the law to the facts, but also has the ability to connect with people regardless of their background and make unbiased decisions. As the chief election officer, I want to ensure that our elections are fair and that we maintain clear voter integrity. I look forward to working hard for the citizens of Calhoun County as their Probate Judge.” She also went on to explain that the the decision was rooted in her belief in the importance of voter integrity and a fair election process. She emphasizes the critical role of the Probate Judge in ensuring that elections are conducted transparently and that every vote counts. Furthermore, Borrelli believes that the Probate Judge should be a compassionate and understanding individual who can balance the needs of individuals dealing with mental health crises while upholding the law. Acknowledging the impressive work of the current Probate Judge, Borrelli is ready to take on the role and serve the county diligently.
The other candidates that are in the race currently are Jon Garlick and Shirley Millwood. We did reach out to both candidates for their thoughts as well; however at the time of publishing had not heard back from Mr. Garlick.
Ms. Millwood stated that she had heard early on that Julie might run, so it wasn’t surprising. She welcomes anyone to run who wants the best for Calhoun County; however she is more focused on her campaign than anyone else’s and while none of the candidates have technically qualified she plans on doing that on Monday. Ms. Millwood has been a practicing attorney in Alabama for more than 14 years and has represented clients in thousands of cases across various courts including probate court, juvenile court, municipal courts, circuit court, district court, as well as the Alabama Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and the Federal court. She also stated she has handled alot of appeals before appellate court and has had approximately eight or nine opinions that have been rendered by the court of civil appeals or the Supreme Court in cases she was involved in at both the trial and appellate level. Two of them were recently reversed favorably for her clients in the last two months. In October of 2021, a landmark opinion was rendered by the court of civil appeals regarding implied consent in adoption cases in Alabama, Ms. Millwood’s role was advocating for the children in both the trial and appellate level. “This is what I want to continue to do for Calhoun County. I would like to continue advocating for the citizens of Calhoun County, as the next Probate Judge by entering fair and impartial rulings while applying the law to the facts. Even before I was an attorney I was a legal assistant, so I’ve worked in this field for more than 25 years. I will bring an extensive background of knowledge of the law to the bench. This is my passion and I want to continue serving all of Calhoun County as a Probate Judge.”
As the election season unfolds, residents can expect a spirited and thoughtful campaign that focuses on the core values of integrity, fairness, and community service.
