Green County Circuit Judge Branch 2
Incumbent Tom Vale is the only candidate for Circuit Court Judge, Branch 2 in Green County.
Position sought: Judge, Green County Circuit Court Branch 2
Age: 60
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Wife, Karen; three children, Erin, Dan and Eric
Education: Bachelor of Science, UW-Madison. Law Degree, Drake University. State of Wisconsin Judicial College.
Occupation: Judge, Green County Circuit Court Branch 2
Previous relevant experience:
Private law practice for 27 years, partner in Duxstad, Vale & Bestul Law firm. Elected to Green County Branch 2 in 2009, completing my first six-year term. I am running unopposed for a second term in the April election.
What personal qualities or characteristics, other than fairness and impartiality, would you bring to the bench?
A judge should be prepared, be prompt and be professional. I've always tried to study pleadings and briefs prior to court hearings and trials so that I can intelligently discuss legal issues with the attorneys and make a reasoned decision. Win or lose, I want attorneys and litigants to feel that they have had a fair hearing and that their positions have been carefully considered. Litigants and attorneys should respect the judicial system and judges should respect the litigants and attorneys who appear before them.
Is there a case you have been involved with of which you are particularly proud? And is there a case you have been involved with that, in retrospect, you wish you had handled differently? Please explain.
I was assigned to hear the Argyle arson case in Lafayette County, a tragic case in which a father killed his own children. I was proud to be associated with the many men and women involved in this case who handled their duties in a professional manner under trying circumstances. From the first responders, EMS and firemen, to local law enforcement officers and detectives, to court personnel, to the special prosecutors and investigators from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, they all did their jobs and I believe the case was processed promptly and correctly. Citizens can be proud that the system works under the most difficult circumstances.
I don't think there is a case where I would reverse the decision I made. I do try to learn something from each case. In general, I've tried to become more efficient at cutting through extraneous matters and getting attorneys to focus on the essential issues.
Do you believe the current criminal/civil court system is effective, or do you believe our current justice system is becoming ineffective? Are there methods or changes you would like to see instituted to increase the effectiveness and/or efficiency of our court system?
I believe our current system in Green County is effective and efficient in terms of processing cases. Circuit Branch 2 was created in 2009 because of the increasing case load in Green County. With two branches, I think we are able to process the hundreds of criminal and civil cases that come through the courts each year in a prompt and competent fashion.
Defining "effective" in criminal cases is a more difficult question. Unfortunately, many criminal defendants have alcohol and drug addiction issues that aren't cured by spending time in jail. They are punished, but not cured, and many become repeat offenders. Some counties have set up alternative drug courts with an emphasis on treatment rather than punishment. We have considered such a court for Green County, perhaps to be run jointly with Lafayette County. Limited resources and limited treatment alternatives make it a difficult project, but I'd like to continue to explore that alternative for Green County.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I could joke that I am the only, and therefore the best, candidate for this office. But in all seriousness, I consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of Green County in this position. While it is certainly stressful at times, I look forward to going to work, I enjoy facing the challenges of the job and making what I hope are good decisions. My experience and a passion for justice make me a good candidate for this office. I'd like to encourage everyone to get out and vote in the April 7 election.
Age: 60
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Wife, Karen; three children, Erin, Dan and Eric
Education: Bachelor of Science, UW-Madison. Law Degree, Drake University. State of Wisconsin Judicial College.
Occupation: Judge, Green County Circuit Court Branch 2
Previous relevant experience:
Private law practice for 27 years, partner in Duxstad, Vale & Bestul Law firm. Elected to Green County Branch 2 in 2009, completing my first six-year term. I am running unopposed for a second term in the April election.
What personal qualities or characteristics, other than fairness and impartiality, would you bring to the bench?
A judge should be prepared, be prompt and be professional. I've always tried to study pleadings and briefs prior to court hearings and trials so that I can intelligently discuss legal issues with the attorneys and make a reasoned decision. Win or lose, I want attorneys and litigants to feel that they have had a fair hearing and that their positions have been carefully considered. Litigants and attorneys should respect the judicial system and judges should respect the litigants and attorneys who appear before them.
Is there a case you have been involved with of which you are particularly proud? And is there a case you have been involved with that, in retrospect, you wish you had handled differently? Please explain.
I was assigned to hear the Argyle arson case in Lafayette County, a tragic case in which a father killed his own children. I was proud to be associated with the many men and women involved in this case who handled their duties in a professional manner under trying circumstances. From the first responders, EMS and firemen, to local law enforcement officers and detectives, to court personnel, to the special prosecutors and investigators from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, they all did their jobs and I believe the case was processed promptly and correctly. Citizens can be proud that the system works under the most difficult circumstances.
I don't think there is a case where I would reverse the decision I made. I do try to learn something from each case. In general, I've tried to become more efficient at cutting through extraneous matters and getting attorneys to focus on the essential issues.
Do you believe the current criminal/civil court system is effective, or do you believe our current justice system is becoming ineffective? Are there methods or changes you would like to see instituted to increase the effectiveness and/or efficiency of our court system?
I believe our current system in Green County is effective and efficient in terms of processing cases. Circuit Branch 2 was created in 2009 because of the increasing case load in Green County. With two branches, I think we are able to process the hundreds of criminal and civil cases that come through the courts each year in a prompt and competent fashion.
Defining "effective" in criminal cases is a more difficult question. Unfortunately, many criminal defendants have alcohol and drug addiction issues that aren't cured by spending time in jail. They are punished, but not cured, and many become repeat offenders. Some counties have set up alternative drug courts with an emphasis on treatment rather than punishment. We have considered such a court for Green County, perhaps to be run jointly with Lafayette County. Limited resources and limited treatment alternatives make it a difficult project, but I'd like to continue to explore that alternative for Green County.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I could joke that I am the only, and therefore the best, candidate for this office. But in all seriousness, I consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of Green County in this position. While it is certainly stressful at times, I look forward to going to work, I enjoy facing the challenges of the job and making what I hope are good decisions. My experience and a passion for justice make me a good candidate for this office. I'd like to encourage everyone to get out and vote in the April 7 election.