Editor:

I’m supporting Oneida County District Attorney Mike Bloom for Circuit Court Judge. Mike is by far the most qualified candidate based on his criminal justice experience. He has served as a public defender, criminal defense attorney and most recently as Oneida County’s chief criminal prosecutor.

In contrast, Mike’s opponent focuses almost exclusively on divorces and other civil matters, rather than criminal law, according to Wisconsin State court records. A judge well versed in criminal law is crucial because the vast majority of cases tried in Oneida County involve criminal and traffic violations rather than civil suits.

The Oneida County law enforcement community recognizes Mike’s superior criminal justice qualifications. The Oneida County Deputy Sheriff’s Association voted to endorse Mike Bloom for Circuit Court Judge. Likewise, Woodruff Police Chief Leonard Drewsen has endorsed Mike Bloom.

Beyond the obvious difference in criminal justice experience, it makes little sense to have two brothers from one Rhinelander family monopolizing the Oneida County Circuit Court bench. Oneida County has only two Circuit Court judges. Patrick O’Melia is already a sitting judge. Having his brother John join him on the bench is unreasonable given Mike Bloom’s superior legal qualifications.

There is a clear choice for Oneida County Circuit Court judge. I’m voting for Mike Bloom on April 3.

Craig Zarley, Rhinelander