DARLINGTON - It's been a long time since Lafayette County voters worried about their circuit court judge.
But on Feb. 17, they'll see a ballot with four candidates looking to take the seat of the retiring William Johnston, who is wrapping up 30 years on the bench. Elected in 1985, he has never had an opponent in his four re-elections.
In a recent interview, Johnston said his timing in stepping down was in part to make sure county residents had a say in the matter.
"I believe it important that the citizens of Lafayette County choose who will be their circuit judge," Johnston said. "This would not be the case if I was unable to complete a term and retire."
That said, four candidates now vie for the six-year position. The top two in votes advance to an April 7 election.
In alphabetical order, including a comment on why they're the right choice, they are:
n Katherine Findley, Lafayette County's district attorney. "I have a passion for the law," she says.
n Gayle Jebbia, a Dodgeville attorney who resides in Darlington. "I am ready to immediately proceed with hearing cases in all areas and phases," she says.
n Duane Jorgenson, a Darlington attorney. "I have practiced in all phases of the law," he says.
n Guy Taylor, assistant district attorney with Lafayette and Green counties. "I have been before dozens of judges and I have seen which qualities make the best judges," he says.
All four candidates, whose complete bios and interviews can be found on Page A3 and B4, have consistently appeared before Johnston during their career.
In regard to advice for his successor, Johnston, in a recent interview, said in part: "Your office exists to provide citizens with a method of resolution - respect that. You are a public servant."
But on Feb. 17, they'll see a ballot with four candidates looking to take the seat of the retiring William Johnston, who is wrapping up 30 years on the bench. Elected in 1985, he has never had an opponent in his four re-elections.
In a recent interview, Johnston said his timing in stepping down was in part to make sure county residents had a say in the matter.
"I believe it important that the citizens of Lafayette County choose who will be their circuit judge," Johnston said. "This would not be the case if I was unable to complete a term and retire."
That said, four candidates now vie for the six-year position. The top two in votes advance to an April 7 election.
In alphabetical order, including a comment on why they're the right choice, they are:
n Katherine Findley, Lafayette County's district attorney. "I have a passion for the law," she says.
n Gayle Jebbia, a Dodgeville attorney who resides in Darlington. "I am ready to immediately proceed with hearing cases in all areas and phases," she says.
n Duane Jorgenson, a Darlington attorney. "I have practiced in all phases of the law," he says.
n Guy Taylor, assistant district attorney with Lafayette and Green counties. "I have been before dozens of judges and I have seen which qualities make the best judges," he says.
All four candidates, whose complete bios and interviews can be found on Page A3 and B4, have consistently appeared before Johnston during their career.
In regard to advice for his successor, Johnston, in a recent interview, said in part: "Your office exists to provide citizens with a method of resolution - respect that. You are a public servant."