Oconto municipal judge candidates share why they're running, other views
OCONTO - A pair of Oconto residents are competing to become the next Oconto municipal judge.
Steven Brazeau and Cheryl Young will square off in the April 4 election for the position that adjudicates the city's ordinance violation cases. The court assesses fines, issues warrants, suspends drivers licenses and works with collection agencies to close out citations.
The winner will fill the unexpired term of the late Mike Bake.
The Oconto County Reporter sent both candidates questionnaires and asked them to limit their responses to approximately 100 words. Here’s what they had to say.
Steven J. Brazeau
Age: 68
Campaign website: None
Current occupation: Retired
Education: Oconto High School, NWTC Business Management
Relevant experience: Eight years on the Oconto City Council, 42 years combined management at Carver Yachts and Cruisers Yachts
Cheryl A. Young
Age: 56
Campaign website: None
Current occupation: Chief of Staff at Bug Tussel Wireless, LLC (since February 2023), Brown County Register in Probate (May 2012 through February 2023)
Education: Graduate of Oconto High School, Associate Paralegal Degree from NWTC, Organization Leadership – UWGB (currently enrolled)
Relevant experience: I have over 30 years of experience in the legal community and Circuit Court system. May 2014- February 2023 – Brown County Register in Probate/Juvenile Clerk of Court; May 2012-May 2014 – Brown County Circuit Court Office Manager; June 1991-May 2012 – Oconto County Courthouse: Clerk Typist – Oconto County Clerk, Support Specialist – Technology Services, Legal Secretary – Corporation Counsel and District Attorney, Deputy Register in Probate and Clerk Typist – Family Court Commissioner
Why are you running for office?
Brazeau: As a lifelong resident of Oconto I would like to give back to the community that has been so good to me, and I will treat the citizens of Oconto with fairness and respect.
Young: I have been a resident of Oconto for most of my life. I value this community and the people who reside here. I currently serve on the board of the Oconto County Historical Society. Serving the residents of Oconto as their municipal judge is another way that, given my extensive experience working with attorneys, judges and other individuals within the legal field, I can give back to my community.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Young: I have over 30 years of experience working in the legal community. I served the residents of Oconto as an employee of Oconto County, first in the Circuit Court Department as a Deputy Register in Probate and Assistant to the Family Court Commissioner, then as a legal assistant in the District Attorney’s office. In 2012, I was hired as the Brown County Circuit Court Office Manager, overseeing the staff of eight circuit court judges. In 2014, I was appointed by the judges as the Brown County Register in Probate, where I held that position for nine years. Part of my role as Register in Probate was serving as Probate Court Commissioner, where I would make judicial determinations in non-contested probate and guardianship matters, and enter necessary court orders as required.
What, in your view, is the most important role for a municipal judge, and how would you use that position to improve the city as a whole?
Brazeau: I will work as the Oconto Municipal Judge to address all public safety and create a judicial system where all are treated fairly. I am committed to making Oconto a safer, more equitable city and am clearly driven to make positive changes in my community. As municipal judge I will be a very strong proponent on truancy and will enforce accountability against parents/guardians.
Young: The most important role for a municipal judge is to maintain the rules of law which they govern. The municipal judge ensures due process, and imposes penalties to those individuals who violate those laws. Wisconsin statutes and city ordinances determine which case types are governed by the municipal judge. These case types include city traffic and parking violations, ordinance matters including first-time drunk driving offenses. The municipal judge also presides over juvenile matters including underage drinking and curfew violations. The rulings of a municipal judge discourage unlawful behavior in the community, and lessens the burdens of the county circuit courts. A municipal judge must understand how to interpret the law, and apply that understanding to every situation that requires a fair and impartial decision. With my legal experience, I am more than qualified to fill the position of the municipal judge. I look forward to the opportunity of serving the people of Oconto.
Contact Kevin Dittman at 920-431-8416 or kdittman@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Oconto municipal judge candidates share their views
