Letter: Area DA throws weight behind Sawyer

To the Editor-

I write to endorse the candidacy of Stephen Sawyer for Portage County Judge Branch II.

I have known Steve in his professional capacity since he moved to Portage County over 17 years ago. At the time I was an assistant district attorney in Portage County. Steve was always prepared, had amazing insight into the needs of his clients, and would calmly and rationally work through the issues with me.

After moving to Waupaca County and becoming the elected district attorney there, I continued to work with Steve on a number of serious felony cases.

A judge needs to possess important qualities to make the life-changing decisions requested of them each and every day. A judge must be intelligent, compassionate, fair, ethical, and independent. Steve possesses all of these qualities.

Steve was an honors graduate from Notre Dame Law School, a very prestigious, nationally recognized, and competitive program. He passed the Bar Exam to practice law in Wisconsin. He worked at one of the top law firms in the State. Steve is a veteran. A Navy pilot who served our country with honor and integrity. His keen sense of responsibility was evidenced when he left the prestigious law firm to prosecute crime after the horrific events of September 11, 2001. He returned to public service first as a prosecutor, then as a defense attorney often representing indigent individuals.

In my experience, Steve volunteered to take on the most difficult clients with the most complex cases. And he defended those cases with the highest ethical standard.

But probably the most important quality that Steve possesses is his independence. Steve is beholden to no political party. He does not work for a local law firm. He is not involved with large organizations with members who might appear in front of him one day. He is beholden to no one.

Stephen Sawyer will be an honest, compassionate, and fair judge. In my opinion, Stephen Sawyer is the clear choice and I urge you to vote for excellence on April 5.

Veronica Isherwood
Waupaca County District Attorney