It probably doesn't feel like election season, but another one is upon us. Next week, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, Green County voters have an important decision to make in a circuit court judge race.
Three candidates are vying to be judge in the newly created Branch 2 of the Green County Circuit Court. The Legislature created the new branch last year to accommodate what it considered to be a caseload too heavy for one judge to continue to administer. The need for a second jury-ready courtroom was the major impetus for the county's new justice center, expected to be opened this summer.
The candidates include Green County Family Court Commissioner Timm Burns and Green County attorneys Dan Gartzke (Schwalbe & Gartzke, S.C.) and Tom Vale (Duxstad, Vale & Bestul, S.C.). The Feb. 17 primary will determine which two candidates will be on the April 7 general election ballot.
Turnout for February elections historically is low, and judicial elections rarely generate much interest. So why is this election important?
We'll answer that question with another question: How many times have you, or someone you've talked to, complained about how lax the court system is on drunk driving, or on domestic abuse? The judge plays a significant role in how strong or week a court system is. How a judge handles sentencing, and how efficiently the courtroom is run, has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the judicial system.
So during the next few days, take some time to learn a little bit about each of the judicial candidates. The Times will be running a series of question-and-answers with each of the contestants. There are other resources online that you can seek for information.
Be informed about the candidates. And then go vote on Feb. 17.
Three candidates are vying to be judge in the newly created Branch 2 of the Green County Circuit Court. The Legislature created the new branch last year to accommodate what it considered to be a caseload too heavy for one judge to continue to administer. The need for a second jury-ready courtroom was the major impetus for the county's new justice center, expected to be opened this summer.
The candidates include Green County Family Court Commissioner Timm Burns and Green County attorneys Dan Gartzke (Schwalbe & Gartzke, S.C.) and Tom Vale (Duxstad, Vale & Bestul, S.C.). The Feb. 17 primary will determine which two candidates will be on the April 7 general election ballot.
Turnout for February elections historically is low, and judicial elections rarely generate much interest. So why is this election important?
We'll answer that question with another question: How many times have you, or someone you've talked to, complained about how lax the court system is on drunk driving, or on domestic abuse? The judge plays a significant role in how strong or week a court system is. How a judge handles sentencing, and how efficiently the courtroom is run, has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the judicial system.
So during the next few days, take some time to learn a little bit about each of the judicial candidates. The Times will be running a series of question-and-answers with each of the contestants. There are other resources online that you can seek for information.
Be informed about the candidates. And then go vote on Feb. 17.
