By MARK L. GOODMAN
Circuit Judge, Branch II, Sparta, Monroe County
On April 4, Vernon County electors will elect a new circuit judge to succeed the Hon. Michael J. Rosborough. As a practicing attorney for more than 25 years, I was privileged to try criminal, civil, and family law cases before Judge Rosborough. Serving as an elected circuit judge since 2010, I’ve come to realize there are two essential characteristics every effective judge must have. They are intellect and temperament.
Trial judges need a keen intellect to decide complex cases involving business disputes, contested family law matters, and evidentiary issues. Equally important is having the proper temperament to sit on the trial court bench.
Darcy Rood possesses a keen intellect and the right temperament to follow in Judge Rosborough’s distinguished footsteps. She understands how many people involved in the court system are nearly scared to death of the prospect of appearing in court. Despite their fearfulness, she also knows they yearn to be heard and to be treated fairly — even those litigants who realize they are not 100 percent in the right.
As a successor to Judge Rosborough, Darcy Rood fully appreciates the awesome power circuit judges have over the lives and affairs of Wisconsinites. If elected, she realizes she will become the most powerful person in the Vernon County courtroom. Yet her temperament would not allow her to think she also is the most important person. Instead, should your name be on her court calendar, the most important person in her courtroom would be you.
Vernon County voters are fortunate to have a candidate of Darcy Rood’s caliber on the April 4 ballot. Her intellect, temperament and personality are ideally suited tomeet the daily rigors of your circuit court judge. I urge the electorate to support her judicial candidacy. Thank you.
