Meet James Haasch and Natasha Torry, running for a six-year term as Sheboygan County Circuit Court judge
SHEBOYGAN - Two candidates running to replace incumbent Branch 2 Judge Kent Hoffmann want to become one of five judges who hear criminal and civil matters in Sheboygan County circuit courts.
Hoffmann, a Sheboygan County Judge since 2016, is retiring at the end of his term.
James Haasch is a former prosecutor and Natasha Torry is the acting Sheboygan Area Municipal Judge.
Haasch suspended his campaign in January but announced his return to the race in March when a family member's health issues resolved, he said.
Two other county judge positions are up for election.
Two attorneys, George Limbeck and Cassandra Van Gompel, are running to take the place of incumbent Branch 5 Judge Daniel Borowski, who is not seeking re-election. Incumbent Branch 3 Judge Angela Sutkiewicz, who has held the position since 2010 and recently won a state award for her work, is running for re-election unopposed.
The elected circuit court judge will serve a six-year term and receive $164,500 annually.
Circuit court judges ensure all parties in court cases comply with procedural rules set by state statute and, sometimes, Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions. Circuit court cases may be resolved by mutual agreement of the parties, by jury trial or by court (judge-alone) trial.
For criminal cases that result in a conviction, whether through a plea agreement or trial, the judge determines the sentence for the defendant (within the often very wide-ranging penalties set by the state Legislature).
At the request of people charged with crimes, judges can also modify bond conditions initially set by the court commissioner.
The Sheboygan Press asked Branch 2 candidates about their experience and judicial philosophies. Here's what they said.
More:Sheboygan School Board primary eliminated one candidate. Here are races on the ballot April 4.
Meet the candidates for Branch 2
Name: James A. Haasch
Age: 61
Lives in: Sheboygan
Occupation: Attorney, former prosecutor
Education: Honor roll graduate of Wauwatosa West High School in 1980. Bachelor's degree in German literature and language, with a minor in English, from Marquette University in 1984. Juris Doctorate degree from Marquette University School of Law in 1987.
Relevant experience: I practiced law for 31 years as an assistant district attorney with the Sheboygan County District Attorney’s Office trying serious felonies and complex cases to courts and juries. I have tried roughly 300 jury trials and have spent approximately 30,000 hours in circuit courts of Sheboygan County. I spent another three years as a part-time assistant city attorney with the Sheboygan City Attorney’s Office prosecuting city ordinances in court.
Website: www.haaschforjudge.com
Name: Natasha Lynn Torry
Age: 44
Lives in: Sheboygan
Occupation: Judge and attorney
Education: Juris Doctor from University of Wisconsin Law School in 2001. Bachelor's degree in politics and government from Ripon College in 1998.
Relevant experience: I have presided over 6,000-7,000 matters annually as the Sheboygan Area Municipal Judge since 2015. As a judge, I have experience with managing a court calendar, keeping control of a courtroom and prioritizing the scheduling of trials. I have significant jury trial and appellate practice experience. I have been very involved Sheboygan County nonprofits and organizations for 20 years and am in touch with the safety needs of our community.
Website: www.judgenatasha.com or Elect Judge Natasha Torry on Facebook
What makes you a good candidate for Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge?
Haasch: My 34 years of experience prosecuting cases and commonsense values. As an assistant district attorney with the Sheboygan County District Attorney’s Office, I am used to handling a heavy case load and am very familiar with trial procedures and the rules of evidence. I can begin trying cases immediately with a vast history of knowledge and experience. I have the right temperament to listen attentively and patiently to litigants and witnesses and have an open mind.
Torry: I have eight years of judicial experience and I have a broad legal background. I have practiced in nonprofit, government and private practice settings. I am proficient in many areas of the law, including municipal, family, mental health, housing and probate. I am a good listener, efficient and a hard worker. I have built relationships and connections with individuals and community groups throughout the county. I have a good understanding of the safety needs of our community.
Describe your judicial philosophy.
Haasch: Statutes have specific meanings, and a judge should not substitute his or her personal definition for the common definitions. I am a strict constructionist who looks to these common definitions of each statute. A judge must listen attentively and ask questions if they don’t understand a response to ensure they make the most informed decisions in cases. A judge must always keep up with changes in the law and be knowledgeable in the law.
Torry: I believe in judicial restraint. It is a judge’s job to enforce the law as written, not write the law. I do not believe that it is appropriate for a judge to legislate from the bench. A circuit court judge should give substantial deference to the Legislature in determining any constitutional issues. I have a proven track record of enforcing the law as written in my eight years as municipal judge.
What qualities should voters look for in a judge? How do you exemplify those qualities?
Haasch: Voters should look for experience in trial and a person who uses common sense. Judges must be patient and knowledgeable, thoughtful and articulate. With 34 years of successful prosecution experience, I’ve been told by colleagues and judges that I have these qualities. Prosecutors have been referred to in case law as sworn ministers of justice; they are to ensure that justice is done and not merely garner convictions. As a judge, I will do my utmost to ensure justice is accomplished.
Torry: The hallmark of a good judge is one who can competently and efficiently preside over contested matters in court. The judge’s role is to listen to the arguments of the parties, research the applicable law and render a fair decision. It is my constant goal that the people who appear before me feel that they have been treated with fairness, courtesy and respect, even when the ruling may not go favorably toward them.
What is a top issue with the court system now? If elected, how will you help address it?
Haasch: The top issue I believe is the sheer number of cases in our court system. This has been exacerbated recently I believe due to the COVID pandemic. Our court system has done well in trying to address the COVID issues. As a judge, I would dialog often with my fellow judges to find ways to do my part to assist with the volume of cases. As a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office, I was used to moving a high volume of cases through the justice system, effectively, efficiently and justly.
Torry: There is a lack of basic understanding of the court system and processes among litigants in civil matters. More often, people are not able to afford to hire an attorney and miss an opportunity to exercise their rights due to lack of understanding. As a judge, it is my priority to make sure that people are educated to their rights and responsibilities and make sure they are not given unequal access to justice based on their inability to hire an attorney. Greater understanding of the law should result in more cases being resolved in mediation prior to protracted litigation.
Given shortages of prosecutors and defense attorneys, what will you do to protect the rights of defendants and crime victims?
Haasch: Follow the statutes that have specific time limits and look to what the facts are in each case for good cause on whether to grant adjournments. Also, I would continue in the practice of issuing scheduling orders by which various hearings had to be done to keep cases moving.
Torry: The right to a speedy trial is in the interests of victims, defendants and the public so that matters can be resolved and justice achieved. It is critical to have staffing stability to keep cases moving through the courts smoothly and efficiently. In addition to improving practices for staff and attorneys, I want to make sure that defendants, and especially crime victims, are fully aware of their rights under the law.
Reach Maya Hilty at 920-400-7485 or MHilty@sheboygan.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan County judge candidate profiles: James Haasch, Natasha Torry
