MONROE - Dan Gartzke is one of three candidates for Green County Circuit Court Second Branch judge position.
Gartzke is a partner in the law firm of Schwalbe & Gartzke, S.C., with offices in New Glarus and Madison.
He is a 1986 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. In addition, he is a member of the Green County Bar Association, having served as vice president in 1999 and president in 2000. He is also a member of the Dane County Bar Association, where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2004, is currently president-elect, and will be president in 2009.
He and his wife, Tracey, have lived in New Glarus since 1989. Their three children, Julia, Mara and David, attend high school in New Glarus.
Gartzke responded to a series of questions posed by The Monroe Times, and his answers, as he submitted them, appear below. Timothy Burns and Thomas Vale also responded to the same questions. Vale's answers will be featured tomorrow. Burns' answers were featured Thursday.
How has your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve as circuit court judge?
I was trained in my first eight years by some truly exceptional trial lawyers, dealing with extraordinary cases. I have spent my years since then in private practice, representing individuals in a wide variety of legal situations in courts across this State. I am passionate about the quality of justice in our local court, and am eager to apply my training for the benefit of this County.
Would you have run for judge had there still been only one branch? Why or why not?
Yes, I probably would have run had there been only one branch. I have had a long term desire to be a Circuit Court Judge. Both personally and professionally I am at the right point in my life to make this career transition. I have chosen to run for Branch 2 because I wish to make my own mark on a new seat instead of assuming a role as a successor judge.
List five supporters (individuals or organizations) that speak to your character and/or qualifications?
My campaign chair, Kaye Gmur, and treasurer, Matt Streiff, have known me in the community. Jeannie Blumer has known me because of my work obtaining refunds to the county for medical expenses paid for my clients' treatment. John Marty, a former client, hired me because he had seen me with my children - the finest endorsement I ever received. Amir Zaman has been a close friend who has seen me at my best, and worst.
What role will personal beliefs play in your judicial decision making?
None. As Judge, I will set aside my personal beliefs and decide each case strictly on the law and the facts.
What is your judicial philosophy and how will it affect the way you function as a judge?
I am a judicial conservative and will decide cases narrowly, and strictly in accord with the law and the facts as presented in each case. Please note that the political meanings of "conservative" as well as "liberal" have no place in this non-partisan office.
What's right, or what's wrong, with the Green County Circuit Court?
Compared to some of the other courts where I have practiced, we have a great advantage in Green County of having a small court. We can be nimble and flexible, adapting and changing to use the best procedures. At times, however, we have been too tied to local procedures that have no real practical sense. It has been over a decade since our local rules have been updated. They should be revised, and consistently enforced.
Do you have any ideas on improving the efficiency of the judicial system?
As mentioned above, I wish to revise the local rules. I also wish to be more available as judge for short hearings on limited issues that must be addressed immediately. Finally, I will institute an informal flow of information between myself and as many participants in the judicial system as possible including Human Services, Law Enforcement, the District Attorney's office, Clerk of Courts Office, and others.
What practices do you believe are necessary to ensure that each person coming before the circuit court receives a fair trial?
The best practice always is to treat each person before the court - whether a party, a witness, or in any capacity - with the full respect each of us has a right to as citizens of this country. When the judge maintains respect in the courtroom, he will have the best chance of a clear presentation of evidence so he can make a reasoned, fair decision.
Under what circumstances would you close a circuit court session or seal a circuit court file?
The law provides for certain circumstances where court must be closed (such as juvenile proceedings) or records sealed (divorce financial statements). Otherwise I think court proceedings and files should be open, and I would close court or a record only in highly unusual circumstances when presented with a compelling reason. Part of the strength of our court system is the fact that it is open to public scrutiny, and this tradition should be honored.
Do you believe the Green County Circuit Court is either too lenient or too harsh in dealing with drunken driving cases? Do you believe the Green County Circuit Court is either too lenient or too harsh in dealing with domestic violence cases?
I will answer these questions together since my response is identical. I will not comment on any particular sentencing or ruling in any case - indeed, it would be improper for me to do so. I will do what is right, which is apply the law to the facts, consider all relevant factors in any sentencing or ruling, and apply my own common sense to issue fair decisions that are neither too lenient nor too harsh.
What makes you stand out from your opponents?
I have the greatest experience in terms of cases handled. I have never kept my practice within the confines of this county, or even southern Wisconsin. My professional life has taken me across the state, before many different judges, dealing with many different lawyers. I was a judicial officer for rent abatement cases for the City of Madison. I have the experience, I have the integrity, and I will apply both to achieve fairness.
If you are elected, how will voters know whether they've made a wise decision?
The citizens will see the quality of justice in all matters I decide.
Gartzke is a partner in the law firm of Schwalbe & Gartzke, S.C., with offices in New Glarus and Madison.
He is a 1986 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. In addition, he is a member of the Green County Bar Association, having served as vice president in 1999 and president in 2000. He is also a member of the Dane County Bar Association, where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2004, is currently president-elect, and will be president in 2009.
He and his wife, Tracey, have lived in New Glarus since 1989. Their three children, Julia, Mara and David, attend high school in New Glarus.
Gartzke responded to a series of questions posed by The Monroe Times, and his answers, as he submitted them, appear below. Timothy Burns and Thomas Vale also responded to the same questions. Vale's answers will be featured tomorrow. Burns' answers were featured Thursday.
How has your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve as circuit court judge?
I was trained in my first eight years by some truly exceptional trial lawyers, dealing with extraordinary cases. I have spent my years since then in private practice, representing individuals in a wide variety of legal situations in courts across this State. I am passionate about the quality of justice in our local court, and am eager to apply my training for the benefit of this County.
Would you have run for judge had there still been only one branch? Why or why not?
Yes, I probably would have run had there been only one branch. I have had a long term desire to be a Circuit Court Judge. Both personally and professionally I am at the right point in my life to make this career transition. I have chosen to run for Branch 2 because I wish to make my own mark on a new seat instead of assuming a role as a successor judge.
List five supporters (individuals or organizations) that speak to your character and/or qualifications?
My campaign chair, Kaye Gmur, and treasurer, Matt Streiff, have known me in the community. Jeannie Blumer has known me because of my work obtaining refunds to the county for medical expenses paid for my clients' treatment. John Marty, a former client, hired me because he had seen me with my children - the finest endorsement I ever received. Amir Zaman has been a close friend who has seen me at my best, and worst.
What role will personal beliefs play in your judicial decision making?
None. As Judge, I will set aside my personal beliefs and decide each case strictly on the law and the facts.
What is your judicial philosophy and how will it affect the way you function as a judge?
I am a judicial conservative and will decide cases narrowly, and strictly in accord with the law and the facts as presented in each case. Please note that the political meanings of "conservative" as well as "liberal" have no place in this non-partisan office.
What's right, or what's wrong, with the Green County Circuit Court?
Compared to some of the other courts where I have practiced, we have a great advantage in Green County of having a small court. We can be nimble and flexible, adapting and changing to use the best procedures. At times, however, we have been too tied to local procedures that have no real practical sense. It has been over a decade since our local rules have been updated. They should be revised, and consistently enforced.
Do you have any ideas on improving the efficiency of the judicial system?
As mentioned above, I wish to revise the local rules. I also wish to be more available as judge for short hearings on limited issues that must be addressed immediately. Finally, I will institute an informal flow of information between myself and as many participants in the judicial system as possible including Human Services, Law Enforcement, the District Attorney's office, Clerk of Courts Office, and others.
What practices do you believe are necessary to ensure that each person coming before the circuit court receives a fair trial?
The best practice always is to treat each person before the court - whether a party, a witness, or in any capacity - with the full respect each of us has a right to as citizens of this country. When the judge maintains respect in the courtroom, he will have the best chance of a clear presentation of evidence so he can make a reasoned, fair decision.
Under what circumstances would you close a circuit court session or seal a circuit court file?
The law provides for certain circumstances where court must be closed (such as juvenile proceedings) or records sealed (divorce financial statements). Otherwise I think court proceedings and files should be open, and I would close court or a record only in highly unusual circumstances when presented with a compelling reason. Part of the strength of our court system is the fact that it is open to public scrutiny, and this tradition should be honored.
Do you believe the Green County Circuit Court is either too lenient or too harsh in dealing with drunken driving cases? Do you believe the Green County Circuit Court is either too lenient or too harsh in dealing with domestic violence cases?
I will answer these questions together since my response is identical. I will not comment on any particular sentencing or ruling in any case - indeed, it would be improper for me to do so. I will do what is right, which is apply the law to the facts, consider all relevant factors in any sentencing or ruling, and apply my own common sense to issue fair decisions that are neither too lenient nor too harsh.
What makes you stand out from your opponents?
I have the greatest experience in terms of cases handled. I have never kept my practice within the confines of this county, or even southern Wisconsin. My professional life has taken me across the state, before many different judges, dealing with many different lawyers. I was a judicial officer for rent abatement cases for the City of Madison. I have the experience, I have the integrity, and I will apply both to achieve fairness.
If you are elected, how will voters know whether they've made a wise decision?
The citizens will see the quality of justice in all matters I decide.