Bipartisan Senators Criticize Family Support Magistrate

June 04--After a bipartisan debate, the state Senate postponed a vote Friday night after multiple lawmakers opposed the re-nomination of a family support magistrate.

When complaints arose about Jed N. Schulman's courtroom demeanor, senators said the Farmington Democrat would be watched closely on the job and would undergo counseling on stress management.

Sen. John Kissel, an Enfield Republican who co-chairs the judiciary committee, said the proposed conditions on Schulman's re-nomination would allow him to have a second chance.

"This is unprecedented," Kissel said on the Senate floor. "This is really like being on probation.''

But then a string of senators, ranging from liberal Democrats to conservative Republicans, rose to say they could not support the 62-year-old Schulman for a post where he is currently paid more than $135,000 per year.

"We're dealing with a grown man in a highly respected position,'' said Sen. Joseph Markley, a Southington Republican. "I don't believe probation is appropriate. This is a lofty position. ... If we were rude, the voters would have every right to turn us out of office.''

Sen. Douglas McCrory, a Hartford Democrat, said the state should demand the highest standards for all judges and magistrates.

"He doesn't treat people well,'' McCrory told his colleagues. "Lawyers would die for a position like this.''

After five consecutive senators spoke on the floor against the re-nomination, Senate majority leader Bob Duff of Norwalk abruptly stopped the debate and postponed the vote.

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