By Owen Boss
Staff Writer
NORTHAMPTON - Interim Register of Probate Mark Ames says he hopes to keep the office focused on helping people navigate the system.
Ames, 40, a Northampton native, spent the last 13 years serving the Hampshire Probate and Family Court in a variety of roles. He was accounts clerk, head administrative assistant and deputy assistant register. And Shortly after former register David Sullivan was elected Northwestern district attorney in November, Ames said he approached the court's First Judge Gail L. Perlman to let her know he was interested in serving in the post. He was sworn in Jan. 5.
"I've been here a long time and I've observed two different registers and the commitment to customer service that lead them to be so successful," Ames said. "That is something that I've seen as being one of the more important aspects of the job. I'm just going to do what I can to keep moving forward."
In a press release Perlman stated that said she was pleased to name Ames as interim register, noting his depth of experience and his " high degree of intelligence and competence."
"He has won the confidence of the court staff and is broadly respected for his willingness to pitch in wherever he's been needed during the last several years of serious reduction in court staff..." she said.
The post pays about $110,000 annually.
Also praising Ames was Sullivan, who said "Mark has been a dedicated member of the registry staff and will be able to guide our court through this transition."
The departure of a register - an elected position - mid-term requires the appointment of temporary register. State law requires Ames serve until an election in the fall of 2012, when a permanent register will be elected for a full six-year term, according to release.
When asked if he would throw his hat into that race, Ames said "Right now I'm just focused on the position I have now."
Ames said he wasn't planning on any sweeping changes in the office because he was still adjusting to his new role and "the paint isn't even dry yet."
Previously, Northampton residents William R. Rosen, a local political consultant and Wendy M. Berg, an attorney with Western Massachusetts Legal Services, expressed interest in being appointed to the interim post.
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com
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