Letters to the editor: Local primary elections

Wilson's experience cited in judge race

I support April Wilson in her campaign for Monroe County Circuit Court judge. She has the intellect and the compassion to apply law to facts and understand how judicial decisions affect people. She is an excellent communicator — calm and courteous, openminded and firm. She is experienced. She listens.

Ms. Wilson has served Monroe County from 2016 as a misdemeanor deputy prosecutor, then deputy domestic violence prosecutor and currently as felony deputy prosecutor. She has prosecuted cases ranging from traffic offenses to murder. She is the representative to the child protective team. To learn more please go to AprilWilsonforJudge.com. April Wilson has my vote for the Democratic Party candidate in the May 3 primary.

Julia Moore, Bloomington

More: Letters to the editor: Comments on local primary candidates

Wrenbreck's qualifications for judge noted

My name is Kyle Dugger and I am writing to promote my support of Karen Wrenbeck for judge in 2022. Ms. Wrenbeck is a tireless colleague, a fierce friend and the only candidate for her seat who has both served as a public defender and has significant experience with child in need of services and child welfare cases, which is the caseload for Circuit VII under the honorable Judge Stephen Galvin.

As someone who practices regularly in six of Monroe County’s nine circuit courts, I’ve witnessed firsthand what qualities make a great jurist, and Ms. Wrenbeck exemplifies many. I believe that great judges “grow” the profession, inspiring excellence in the lawyers who practice before them through leading by example. Great judges have an insatiable intellectual curiosity, as their position requires them to constantly remain abreast of developments in the law. Great judges are courageous and are willing to make difficult decisions that the law or facts of a case require without bowing to the will of public opinion.

Karen Wrenbeck has these qualities in spades. She is our best choice and please remember to vote Karen Wrenbeck in the primary election on May 3!

Kyle Dugger, Bloomington

Judge candidate Salzmann well-qualified

As a practicing attorney of almost 35 years, I believe Emily Salzmann is the best candidate for judge, Monroe County Seat 7. I have had the privilege of serving as co-counsel with Emily on several serious criminal cases, and have witnessed first-hand her keen grasp of the law, her level-headed temperament, and her constant consideration of our ethical code. Emily is the only candidate in this race with judicial experience, serving as judge over 40 times when one of our sitting judges was unavailable. This means only Emily has the experience working with the Board of Judges, and only Emily would make a seamless transition from the practice of law to the bench.

I am also Emily’s friend. She is always there to help a colleague brainstorm a thorny legal issue, and lend a hand by utilizing her fluency in Spanish to assure a proper understanding between lawyer and client. Emily’s Spanish fluency is an enormous benefit to the bench; she can assure that interpreters are correctly translating, and can assure the people that come before the bench are being heard, in the greater meaning of the word. I urge you to vote for Emily Salzmann for judge.

Katharine Liell, Bloomington

Salzmann has right sensibilities

I am writing to express my unqualified and enthusiastic support for Emily Salzmann as a judicial candidate here in Monroe County.

When I was elected to the bench in Monroe County in 2008, I was the first openly gay person to serve as a judge. Fortunately for our community, one does not have to identify as part of the LGBTQ community to bring important sensibilities to judicial work. To that end, I have known Emily since she began working in the legal system some six or seven years ago. She has shown herself to be dedicated, diligent and open minded. She, in short, has the sensibilities that embrace multi-culturalism and non-conforming lifestyles and that will create an atmosphere of inclusion in the work she does as a judge. Her intelligence and respect for the rule of law are two more traits that are so deeply needed from the bench in these troubling times.

I can hardly imagine a better candidate. I am pleased to urge everyone to vote for Emily Salzmann for this most important office.

Elizabeth Cure, Bloomington

Salzmann's experience cited

Emily Salzmann brings experience for judge.

I’ve been fortunate enough to know Emily since her time as an undergraduate student here at Indiana University. Over the years I would ask about her career as a lawyer, and I could tell the proudest moments were when she was asked to serve as judge pro tempore. It is my belief the passion for being a judge was fostered here as she got to experience the rewards of a public servant firsthand.

I was impressed when I found out she had been asked to come back over 30 times to serve in the capacity of judge pro tempore. Apparently Emily must be quite good at it if she is always asked to come back! From what I know, Emily is the only candidate to offer this experience as judge.

For over a decade I’ve watched her develop into an experienced lawyer, wife and mother to her children. Emily’s devotion to work and family is the definition of what it means to be a selfless servant. I have no doubt that the passion and earned experience I’ve witnessed over the years will translate well into being a judge for our community.

Mathew Lewis, Bloomington

Asare supported for Congress

I met Isak Nti Asare when I was a student struggling to find my path for the future and very uncertain of myself. His mentorship helped me define achievable steps toward a vision of the future that excited me, but also instilled confidence in myself as I pursued that path. Now, three years later, he is running for Congress, and I am thrilled to support him in this effort.

My experience with him is not unique. He always takes the time to listen first and learn from people who know more than him about an issue to find the best solutions. I could not be more excited for the future he sees for southern Indiana and believe that he will give his all to addressing the problems faced by real people in the state as a representative at the national level.

People like Isak are one in a million. His optimism for the future and faith in what people can achieve when they work together is unparalleled. For him policy truly is personal, laws are not just words on a page, but signify real actions that have consequences and the potential to change lives.

Megan Gearhart, Bloomington

Salzmann's work praised

I have had the pleasure of practicing in Circuit Court VII for seven years. I have come to rely on Court VII handling cases and treating litigants with fairness, compassion and strict compliance with Indiana law.

Emily Salzmann strongly believes in upholding Court VII’s reputation as a fair and respectful Court. Emily sees the parties in each case as human beings first and foremost, while also understanding the importance of the consistency and reliability that Monroe County has come to rely on from Court VII. Emily is deeply committed to the community of Monroe County and has been a consistent resource to her colleagues, me included. From the beginning of her career, Emily has prioritized gaining the invaluable experience that comes from sitting on the bench and acting as judge when one of our local judges needs a judge pro tempore. While Emily has many qualities that make her an excellent candidate, Emily’s practical and extensive experience serving as a Monroe County judge pro tempore has shown Emily’s deep commitment to serving our community with respect, integrity, and fairness.

I deeply encourage our community to vote for Emily Salzmann as Monroe Circuit Court VII judge.

Kristin Garner, Bloomington

Salzmann's demeanor praised

I met Emily Salzmann when she was a student in my trial advocacy law school class. She was eager to learn and talented. After graduating, she was an outstanding advocate for her clients when practicing in my courtroom. She fairly presented the law and facts to the court. Her credibility was beyond reproach. While a courtroom can be contentious, I never saw Emily disrespect the court, opposing counsel or clients. She will be an even-tempered judge.

While this race is for retiring Judge Stephen Galvin’s seat, history teaches us the newly elected judge will likely preside in a civil, not criminal or juvenile, court. Emily has both criminal and civil experience at the trial court level. She has been responsible for supervising both the budget and staff for her law firm as its managing partner. Both skills are needed for a judge sitting on the Board of Judges to help develop the court’s annual budget and supervise court staff. Emily is prepared for these tasks. Her Spanish fluency is invaluable.

So convinced of her suitability for this office, I have knocked on doors for her. I hope you join me to vote for Emily Salzmann.

Teresa D Harper, Bloomington

Salzmann's character praised

As a lawyer in Monroe County for the past 40 years, I have had many opportunities to witness the character traits of effective judges. Integrity, independence, impartiality, knowledge and professionalism are at the top of the list. No less important are active listening, time management, and compassion.

I believe that Emily Salzmann possesses these character traits and is well-suited to serve as judge for Seat 7 of the Monroe Circuit Court. Emily has already demonstrated these traits in both civil and criminal cases. She has served as a respected judge pro tem (temporary judge) in all four criminal courts, numerous times. Her professionalism while serving as judge pro tem demonstrates the ability to help people understand the legal system and to enhance public trust and confidence.

Emily’s pro bono (volunteer) work, has also demonstrated her dedication to community service and interest in promoting access to justice. In keeping with the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Emily has been able to promote civility in the courtroom. This is especially important when lack of civility has eroded trust in government systems. Please vote for Emily Salzmann for judge on May 4.

Carol Seaman, Bloomington

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Letters to the editor: Local elections