Editor:

Why should I vote for the next Oneida County Judge?

A tradition of judicial excellence and public service, that is why.

Since 1987 I have been involved in law enforcement in Oneida County. During this time, Oneida County has been extremely fortunate to have outstanding public servants such as Judge Robert Kinney, Judge Mark Mangerson and Judge Patrick O’Melia providing their services in the court system. Each of these judges has been an easy choice when I have voted in the past. Their professionalism, fairness and experience as past district attorney’s have assured their success.

Citizens of Oneida County have the duty in the upcoming election to vote for the next Oneida County Judge, who will carry on this tradition of excellence. Both Mike Bloom and John O’Melia are experienced attorneys, outstanding family men and contributors to their communities. We can only choose one to serve as our judge.

Mike Bloom has demonstrated a commitment to public service as a public defender at times when it would have been tempting to chase the bigger paycheck that would have been waiting had he chose to go into private practice. Mike continued this commitment to public service when he took on the role of district attorney for Oneida County. Mike has committed early on in his legal career to serve the public, and has prepared himself well for the role of judge in Oneida County.

This is the first and probably the last letter to the editor that I will write. This is an important election, and I urge the citizens of Oneida County in joining me in voting for Mike Bloom to carry on our judicial tradition of excellence.

Phil Schmidt, Rhinelander