MONROE - Incumbent Green County Judge Jim Beer is opposed by Dan Gartzke, a New Glarus attorney, in the upcoming April 7 election for the Branch 1 seat in Green County Circuit Court.
Each candidate was asked what he thinks is the biggest legal issue facing Green County.
Gartzke, in his second run for a circuit court seat, said the resurgence of heroin and crime that comes along with addiction are a serious problem.
"It's just horrendous that it has found ways into our community," Gartzke said. "Some think there needs to be a drug court solution in Green County ... that goes beyond punishment, but looks to deter re-offending and offer rehab."
Beer, who has been on the bench for 9 years, said a lack of resources in dealing with drug and alcohol addiction should be of the greatest concern to the county.
"A decision to spend money has to be made," Beer said. "People have to make that decision through their assemblymen."
Beer also mentioned a drug court as a possible solution, and a willingness to work in combination with Lafayette County to create one.
The candidates were also asked if a legislative change is necessary to further criminalize driving while intoxicated offenses.
Gartzke said the issue with drunk driving is similar to addiction to drugs - alcoholism can be just as damaging.
"It's a similar kind of issue; alcoholism is a disease," he said. "Sometimes getting somebody into the system is the only way to rehabilitate them and sometimes prison is what it takes."
He said he has seen the affects of addiction in all walks of life - family, community and work.
Beer said his job is to mete out justice, not decide for the legislature, but a change in the culture around alcohol would make the community safer.
"We don't have more highways, we have more people and we need to make sure the people are safe," Beer said. "Again it's really a legislative decision, and people should speak to their assemblymen and tell them what they want."
Judge Tom Vale is running unopposed for re-election for Branch 2 of Green County Circuit Court.
Each candidate was asked what he thinks is the biggest legal issue facing Green County.
Gartzke, in his second run for a circuit court seat, said the resurgence of heroin and crime that comes along with addiction are a serious problem.
"It's just horrendous that it has found ways into our community," Gartzke said. "Some think there needs to be a drug court solution in Green County ... that goes beyond punishment, but looks to deter re-offending and offer rehab."
Beer, who has been on the bench for 9 years, said a lack of resources in dealing with drug and alcohol addiction should be of the greatest concern to the county.
"A decision to spend money has to be made," Beer said. "People have to make that decision through their assemblymen."
Beer also mentioned a drug court as a possible solution, and a willingness to work in combination with Lafayette County to create one.
The candidates were also asked if a legislative change is necessary to further criminalize driving while intoxicated offenses.
Gartzke said the issue with drunk driving is similar to addiction to drugs - alcoholism can be just as damaging.
"It's a similar kind of issue; alcoholism is a disease," he said. "Sometimes getting somebody into the system is the only way to rehabilitate them and sometimes prison is what it takes."
He said he has seen the affects of addiction in all walks of life - family, community and work.
Beer said his job is to mete out justice, not decide for the legislature, but a change in the culture around alcohol would make the community safer.
"We don't have more highways, we have more people and we need to make sure the people are safe," Beer said. "Again it's really a legislative decision, and people should speak to their assemblymen and tell them what they want."
Judge Tom Vale is running unopposed for re-election for Branch 2 of Green County Circuit Court.