Editor:

I would like to take this time to thank the voters of Oneida County for electing me Circuit Court Judge on April 3. The experience of this election has been both exhilarating and humbling for me. I take my upcoming responsibilities very seriously. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Oneida County as the new Branch II Circuit Court Judge.

Compliments to my opponent, John O’Melia, for the class he showed during the campaign, and the grace that he has shown since the election. Many people who actively supported John in the election have also been very gracious to me since the election. As goes without saying, I am aware that my upcoming responsibilities as judge apply to all the citizens of Oneida County, regardless of how they voted in the election.

I cannot express the appreciation I feel for the members of my campaign committee, and the many others who actively supported and encouraged my campaign. My success in this election was the result of their efforts, and I am grateful beyond words for their confidence and support.

Many thanks the Oneida County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Rhinelander Professional Police Association for endorsing my candidacy. Also, thank you to Woodruff Police Chief Lenny Drewsen and Oneida County Supervisor and Minocqua Town Supervisor Billy Fried for publicly supporting my campaign.

I am thankful to everyone else who wrote testimonials for my campaign website and letters to the editor on my behalf, all those who allowed my campaign signs to be placed on their property, and, perhaps most importantly, all those who spoke favorably about me to their friends and neighbors in the days leading up to the election.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Beth, and our children, Erin and Adam, but for whom none of this would be possible.

Michael Bloom, Rhinelander