CHOOSING A JUVENILE JUDGE

Judicial candidates endorse alternatives-to-jail programs

Both candidates for Racine County circuit judge, aware of the debate over whether the county should enlarge its jail or lock up fewer people, expressed support Thursday for programs that are alternatives to jail. But asserting that most of the courts handle criminal matters, Georgia Herrera emphasized her experience as a part-time court commissioner and former prosecutor.

John Jude said he has broader legal experience as both an attorney and mediator, and he alluded to the higher competency ratings he has received in two polls of local attorneys.

The two longtime lawyers were the only candidates in the April 6 elections invited to what was described as a first-of-its kind forum. Eight organizations representing minorities sponsored the event at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in central Racine.

If elected, Herrera would become the first minority judge on the Racine County Circuit Court and the first woman to become a circuit judge in Racine without first being appointed by a governor. Herrera finished first and Jude finished second in a five-way primary election Feb. 17.

During the two-hour forum, both candidates said that substance abuse treatment programs and other efforts are important for controlling the jail population and preventing crime, especially when used for juvenile offenders. Both cited their work in programs that provide such services. The candidates also agreed that on criminal matters, protecting the public is the top priority. But Jude tended to give emphasis to the benefits he said alternative programs can provide, while Herrera stressed both alternative programs and law enforcement. Both candidates agreed that the county needs to study who is in the jail and why. Herrera said that needs to be done before deciding on alternative programs, while Jude said he backs a plan to offer services to juvenile offenders and their families.

Asked about money and campaigning, Jude called the amount of money needed to run distressing, saying that what he and Herrera will spend in the race could build the permanent homeless shelter that the county has been seeking. He also said it was “unsettling” to seek endorsements for his campaign.

Herrera said campaigns in large counties such as Racine County are expensive because candidates can't spread their message on their own. But she said people are more important than money in terms of supporting a campaign.

Herrera, 43, of North Bay, was a prosecutor in the district attorney's office for 11 years before going into private practice five years ago. She is endorsed by the county's top law enforcement officials and police unions, has been a part-time court commissioner for five years and teaches law classes to undergraduate students at Concordia University.

Jude, 58, of Racine, has specialized in family law for the past several years and previously did most of his work defending insurance companies. Endorsed by all three candidates eliminated in the primary, he also works as a mediator and arbitrator and as a state Supreme Court referee in lawyer disciplinary cases.
 

By Tom Kertscher
26 March 2004
 

http://www.jsonline.com/news/racine/mar04/217401.asp

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