Letter: Shankland endorses Molepske for judge

To the Editor-

I’m proud to endorse Louis Molepske for Portage County Judge. I’ve worked with Louis in his capacity as Portage County District Attorney for the last decade, and he’s been a fierce advocate for victims’ rights, public safety, and reducing recidivism. As President of the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association, Louis led the charge to successfully advocate for reforms to our state’s restitution law. Now years later, he helped provide input on bipartisan legislation I introduced to build on that progress and continue supporting victims’ rights.

When the state kept placing Sexually Violent Persons (SVPs) in Portage County, Louis stepped up to protect our rural communities and champion our residents’ safety. Not only did he attend local meetings in the town of Alban to push back against the proposed placements, but he also drove to Chippewa County to testify in court with me about the negative impact the placement of a Chippewa County SVP would have on the town of Alban, including the risk to public safety and the increased costs to our law enforcement for surveillance. He didn’t stop there: he also worked with me to draft legislation to change our state’s SVP laws to protect rural communities, and he continued to weigh in as we both advocated for bipartisan solutions. That’s why I trust Louis to continue working for our safety as Portage County Judge — he’s demonstrated his commitment to our community through his actions.

Louis Molepske is a public servant through and through. He always acts in our communities’ best interest, whether it’s successfully prosecuting complex homicides or saving taxpayer money through diversion programs that reduce recidivism. Louis has supported treatment alternatives and diversion programs during his time in the Legislature and as district attorney when he helped launch Portage County’s first professional diversion program. This program provides treatment to offenders, helps them gain employment, and prevents additional crimes. To this day, over 90 percent of participants have not been rearrested, and over 660 offenders have returned over $115,000 to victims.

With Louis’ decades of legal experience and record of service delivering results to the people of Portage County, it is clear he has the right discernment, fortitude, and wisdom to serve as Portage County Judge. Please join me in voting for Louis Molepske for Portage County Judge on or before April 5.

Katrina Shankland
State Representative, 71st Assembly District
Stevens Point