Two Start Campaigning for Probate Post

Felix Arroyo, Sr.

Felix Arroyo, Sr.

Longtime East Boston resident John Sepulvada, as well as former At-Large City Councilor Felix Arroyo Sr. will be tossing their hats into the ring for the Suffolk County’s Register of Probate and Family Court seat.

Sepulvada, who came to Eastie in 1982 from Colombia, has been hitting the pavement for the past couple of weeks gaining signatures and talking to residents in the neighborhood and the rest of Suffolk County.

Sepulvada says he already has the 1,000 necessary signatures to be on the ballot during the September 9th Primary Election and will run on the platform of brining the office back into the communities.

“I’m running because I think there is a big disconnect between the office and the public at this time,” said Sepulvada. “Talking to people on the streets I’ve been hearing a lot of people are not sure what the office does, they think it should be appointed rather than elected, and that a lot of people skip the office when voting.”

Sepulvada said he feels because the office is tax funded it is very important to make the office more transparent.

“It has a reputation of being an office that career politicians seek at the end of their careers,” he said. “At some point in our lives we or someone we love will have to use the Register of Probate and Family Court office so one of my early priorities would be to make it more accessible, have more information in the communities about the office, set up a webpage (there currently is no webpage) because it can be a complicated office to maneuver when you need it and are dealing with divorce or family court issues.”

Sepulvada also wants to set up a roadmap in the communities of Suffolk County and take the office into the neighborhoods.

“I want to partner with community groups throughout Suffolk County and bring regular seminars on how to access the office and navigate the system.”

Sepulvada currently works at United Health Care as a Senior Care Option Provider. There he helps seniors enroll in Mass Health and get additional benefits like dental insurance at no cost to them.

Sepulvada is an East Boston High and UMass Amherst graduate. He lives in Eastie with his wife, Marta, and two children, Pamela and Patrick.

Arroyo has also taken the first steps in his campaign to become Suffolk  County’s Register of Probate and Family Court.  Earlier this month he declared his intention to be a candidate for the seat, which includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

“I have dedicated my life to public service with an emphasis on children and families,” Arroyo said, after signing his paperwork. “As the Register of Probate and Family Court, I will work to make sure that everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  I am asking the voters of Suffolk County for their support so that I can continue my life’s work.”

Arroyo said he is excited about the prospect of returning to elected office.

“I believe deeply in public service,” said Arroyo.  “My family and I have been given tremendous opportunities, and I am honored to be able to give back.  My experience as both an administrator and an elected official make me uniquely qualified to serve as your Register of Probate & Family Court.”

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