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Published - Sunday, September 17, 2006

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Assistant D.A. seeks the bench


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A La Crosse County assistant district attorney who specializes in drug and gang crime prosecution announced his candidacy for Branch 3

Circuit Court judge Saturday.
Todd Bjerke said he will apply his experience, integrity and fairness to the judicial seat. He announced his candidacy during a press conference at the La Crosse Police Department’s Station Two Community Policing Center.

“My ultimate goal, always, is to seek justice for every defendant, victim and the public by digging into the depths of the case to determine the truth,” he said.

Bjerke joined the district attorney’s office in 1989 and is a founding member of the county’s drug court, a treatment program designed to change the behavior of drug addicts. Bjerke previously was a defense counsel in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has practiced in various areas of law.

Bjerke said fairness for the accused, accountability for offenders and public safety are among his judicial goals.

Holding offenders accountable, Bjerke said, can ensure public safety and benefit the offender. Drug court has proven a valuable rehabilitation tool, and he will continue to emphasize the need for accountability for the program, he said.

Public safety is always a concern and Bjerke said he will use his background experience to discern between offenders who can be placed in treatment or rehabilitation from those whose crimes indicate that protection of the public should be the goal of sentencing.

Bjerke added that how a judge treats others is important to the effectiveness of the position and said he will continue to respect defense attorneys, victims, defendants and law enforcement officers.

Judge Roger LeGrand, who currently holds the position, has confirmed he will run in the election. Local attorney Kara Burgos plans to announce her judicial candidacy Sept. 21.

The primary election will be held Feb. 20, with the general election April 3.
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Nestor wrote on Sep 21, 2006 7:45 PM:

" Better get revved up Todd. Legrand has a man at his helm that has his hands almost on everything in this City and 'Every Board'. I have also heard he already has had a fund raiser in the works. I must admit, Gotta respect his machine and the way it works in this town. Do not get caught flat footed. Already have the design and the 8'x8' sign designed for Rose St that will fit on my trailer. All it will say is Legrand, and be circled in red with a diagnal red line through it. I think you get the vision. Good luck. "

Voting in February and April wrote on Sep 20, 2006 5:37 PM:

" An incredibly intelligent guy, with both book smarts and street smarts from his experience. This is exactly the guy we need with a gavel in LaCrosse. I fully support Todd for judge; he has my votes in February and April. "

Todd is a true community leader wrote on Sep 20, 2006 11:45 AM:

" Has anyone heard that "WHEN SUPERMAN GOES TO BED AT NIGHT, HE WEARS TODD BJERKE PAJAMAS"? I believe it...Todd works harder on his cases than anyone I know and has proven himself as a true community leader. His tenacious pursuit of a just result is admirable. I am confident that Todd's probity and wealth of experience will bring fairness to the bench this spring. "

Toni Hoeppner wrote on Sep 20, 2006 10:28 AM:

" In my line of work, I have had the opportunity to see Mr. Bjerke's performance as Assistant DA close up on a regular basis. He is a man of integrity, fairness and respect for the law. He truly does seek the truth and works toward a just conclusion in each case. Please give him your support as well as your vote. "

Nestor wrote on Sep 19, 2006 10:14 AM:

" How come? If you are involved in a divorce with minor children you are mandated to attend 'Families First and Sandcastles' benefical programs. Matter of fact, the court orders state so and are then filed with WI court records. Then why have the Municiapl Judge, District Attorney, and many other dignitaries, elite, and well placed people allowed to sidestep this 'mandated' requirement with thier families? The same programs that the working people of Lacrosse have to pay, spend the time, and attend. That is was Legrand represents to me. Cronyism, plain and simple. That is why he was 'appointed' and that is why his alternate was appointed. Same rules for all people, grocery bagger or 'friend' of the Govenor. Should make no difference. "

Nestor wrote on Sep 18, 2006 8:45 AM:

" Finally an election. Instead of a local Judge being appointed as a crony. "

sorry todd . . . wrote on Sep 18, 2006 3:46 AM:

" roger legrand has my thankz for all he has done in his public endevors working on family matters, and issues involving women and children, he's needed where he is, gov. doyle made a good choice. todd, semper fi and wish you the best in other matters! "

GO TODD wrote on Sep 17, 2006 9:12 PM:

" There are many reasons to vote for Todd: 1) he is very qualified and knowledgeable 2) fair 3) caring of victims and those in need of help 4) always available for those in need 5 ETC........... The only reason not to vote for Todd is becuase we would be losing one of the county's best ADAs. I would suspect that most of those people that don't think we should vote for him are the criminals he has put away to make our communities a safer place to live. "

Worthless Judges wrote on Sep 17, 2006 9:12 PM:

" I do not know who is posting things like "Ramona Gonzalez and Roger LeGrand are worthless judges" but that is simply not true. "

CMB wrote on Sep 17, 2006 8:33 PM:

" I think Todd will win the judge positon, coming from a normal citizen. I have talked with Todd and he will research and find the best answer or solution to anything if he is asked. He listens and speaks very well of his knowledge and experience. I trust him to be elected to the bench and think that he will make a very good judge. He is a workaholic and he is a perfectionist and will make fair decisions for everyone and the community. I can't wait to vote for Bjerke in Feb 2007. "

re:judge wrote on Sep 17, 2006 7:19 PM:

" Are you kidding? Call him and try and have a conversation. thats all it will take for you to vote for someone else "

whatever wrote on Sep 17, 2006 3:54 PM:

" Todd has spent his career stretching the truth and making back door deals and plea bargains. He's no Elliot Ness and Certainly not a judge. The only thing true in this entire blog is that the person he seeks to unseat is not very good. "

Awesome wrote on Sep 17, 2006 12:42 PM:

" I am really glad Todd has chose to run. He will have my vote. "

To the bench wrote on Sep 17, 2006 12:22 PM:

" Todd is an outstanding prosecutor and true benefit to this county. The only way he can do more good is to be a judge. Todd - you've got my vote in February and April. Best of luck in the campaign! "

Re Bjerke wrote on Sep 17, 2006 11:37 AM:

" I knew him to be an overzealous prosecuter.Vote no to Todd Bjerke! "

To Anne Rungen wrote on Sep 17, 2006 11:34 AM:

" Worthless Judges? Who are you and why would you say that? "

from a victim wrote on Sep 17, 2006 10:05 AM:

" i am a victim of a crime,not to long ago and todd bjerke treated me like a criminal. no way will he be fair to victims. "

Thad Baldwin wrote on Sep 17, 2006 9:38 AM:

" I am guessing most District Attorneys offices are bombarded with criminal cases for the simple fact that crime continues to run rampant. I am a 29 yr veteran police officer who also served in the military, and I can assure the voters of LaCrosse County that Todd Bjerke is the best choice for Judge. Our D.A.'s office is no exception to the large criminal case load, and I have always known Todd to be extremely prepared and truly dedicated to the law. I would hope the voters would want the same in a judge. I do. Todd, you have my vote. "

This is your chance! wrote on Sep 17, 2006 3:00 AM:

" If you are tired of worthless judges like Ramona Gonzalez and Roger Legrand, then this is your chance to cast your vote and oust at least one of the two clowns who currently occupy the bench in La Crosse County. Todd will do exactly what he says. Rehabilitate those who can and want to be rehabilitated and punish and segregate those who are a real danger to society. "

Great Choice wrote on Sep 17, 2006 1:09 AM:

" I think Todd will make a great judge. He will help provide for a balnce of styles on the bench. Too bad he won't be running against Levine. Maybe this is a sign Horne will challenge Levine. Anyway Todd will have my vote in April. "


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