By HANNAH CLARKIN

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WEST WARWICK — The West Warwick Town Council is looking for a new probate court judge, according to the town manager.

The council is seeking to replace current Probate Judge Robert Rainville on the grounds that he is not qualified to hold the position under the town charter, said Council Vice President Angelo Padula (D-Ward 1), who raised the issue before the council.

He is hoping Rainville will resign, Padula said, but, whether he resigns or not, the council is currently accepting applications to fill the position.

The probate judge “shall be an attorney-at-law in good standing who has been admitted to the practice of law in this state at least three years prior to appointment and who is a qualified elector of the town,” according to Article XII Probate Court 1201 of the West Warwick Town Charter.

Rainville’s residence has been confirmed in East Greenwich, Padula said.

“So he’s not an elector. That’s breaking the charter. I [would like the judge to be] someone who lives and votes in the town,” Padula said.

Rainville will continue to act as probate judge until a new appointment is made, said Town Manager James Thomas. 

“The council has discussed [the new appointment] several times in open session. The new appointment will be made by the council,” he said.

Interested parties may submit a resume and a letter of interest to the town council, care of the town manager, Thomas said.

“I don’t want people to get worried and think that we don’t have a probate judge,” he said. “Until that appointment is made, the current probate judge is still there.”

Rainville could not be reached for comment.