"This has been my first real experience with the political system," he said. "It's important to be listening just as much as talking."

Vale, who is competing with New Glarus attorney Dan Gartzke, has never run for public office before. While some may not view the judicial race as the most important, they should be involved.

"I think this is one of the most important positions in Green County," he said.

The position carries a six-year term. Vale is a graduate of UW-Madison and received his law degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a member and past president of the Green County Bar Association.

He is a partner at Duxstad, Vale and Bestul in Monroe as well as city attorney for Albany, New Glarus and Monticello.

Vale, who lives in Monroe, is married to Karen, a pharmacist at Schultz Pharmacy in Monroe. They have three children.

Vale said he doesn't want to give the impression that there isn't respect in the Green County courtroom. It's important, he said, that judges respect everyone who participates in the justice system.

"People need to feel satisfied that they've been treated fairly," he said. "It's important for judges to be professional while presiding over a courtroom."

If elected, Vale could hear cases in which his former partners might be representing individuals, but he said he has a strategy to deal with those instances.

Initially, he'd have a conflict of interest with his partners. He wouldn't preside over cases that were opened while he was at the law firm.

But eventually it wouldn't be a problem, he said.

Vale said the question is part of the respect issue.

"I don't think they (other attorneys) will have a problem and I won't either," he said.

Vale said he doesn't see any problems with local attorneys who endorse candidates.

"I think it's up to the attorney," he said. "I will know people who supported Dan (Gartzke). Ultimately your opinions should be based on your own research and the facts of the case."

Plea bargains are a necessary part of the court system, Vale said.

They must be handled appropriately. A judge can agree or disagree with the agreement reached between the defense attorney and the prosecutor. If a judge doesn't agree with the plea bargain, he doesn't have to go along with it, Vale said.

"Judges function as the gatekeeper," he said.

In all situations and judgments, whether it's a plea bargain decision, personal values also play a role, but not over the letter of the law.

Vale said a judge brings his personal values to the bench, but he would like to think his values follow the laws.

"A judge's duty is quite clear. A judge applies the law as it's written," he said.

Click here to read a Q&A with Tom Vale published in February.