Race for circuit judge takes shape

Oneida County assistant district attorney Mary M. Sowinski and Oneida County corporation counsel Mike Fugle are seeking the privilege of serving as the county’s next circuit court judge.

In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, Sowinski officially announced her run for the Branch II seat currently held by Judge Mike Bloom. Fugle made his campaign announcement in December, shortly after Bloom filed a notice of non-candidacy.

Fugle

After 12 years on the bench, Bloom chose not to seek another six-year term.

“My way of thinking is that elected officials should err on the side of concluding their service a little early as opposed to hanging around too long,” he wrote in an email to the River News. “Also, I prefer to conclude my service at the end of a term rather than retiring in the middle of one, so that my successor is selected by the voting public and not a political appointee.”

In her campaign announcement, Sowinski congratulated Bloom on his retirement and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the community.

“I want to thank Judge Bloom for the many years of service he has given to our community as an attorney, a prosecutor and a judge, and congratulate him on his much deserved retirement,” she said.

“As one of only two Oneida County Circuit Court judges, it is critical that candidates with broad legal experience step forward for this position,” she added. “I am fortunate to have been born and raised here in Oneida County, and to have many family, friends and neighbors who are supporting me in my campaign. My husband, Richard Javenkoski, and I look forward to having an opportunity to continue serving our community in this way.”

According to the release, Sowinski has over 25 years of legal experience, including “dozens of jury trials, managing a private practice, serving as assistant corporation counsel and working 20 years as a prosecutor.”

Fugle is making his second run for judicial office. 

In 2023, he was defeated by former Oneida County district attorney Mike Schiek in a February primary for the Branch I judgeship vacated when Judge Patrick O’Melia retired in August 2022.

Schiek went on to defeat Mary Roth Burns, who served as an interim judge for the remainder of O’Melia’s unexpired term following an appointment by Gov. Tony Evers.

On his campaign website, Fugle stresses his “extensive courtroom experience and broad experience in both criminal and civil cases.”

“After graduating from Marquette University Law School, I joined a private practice in downtown Milwaukee where I handled varied civil work including small claims and evictions, and criminal work including the firm’s public defender contract with the State Public Defender’s Office. I have tried fourteen criminal cases to a jury, one civil rights violation to a jury, handled Federal criminal work, represented clients in civil litigation, and written appellate briefs,” the “about” section of his campaign website reads. “For the past fifteen years, I have represented Oneida County departments in civil matters (e.g. Social Services, Planning & Zoning, Sheriff Department). During my time in Oneida County, I have tried 12 civil matters (children in need of protection & services, termination of parental rights, and mental health act cases) to a jury.”

The website also notes Fugle’s appointment to the position of corporation counsel in the spring of 2021 as well as previous work experience.

“It would be my honor to serve the people of Oneida County as Circuit Court Judge,” Fugle said in a statement to the River News in late December. “Judge Bloom is an exceptional jurist, and he has set an excellent example of what it means to be ‘a good judge.’ I pledge to apply legal precedent to the facts and adjudicate cases in an unbiased manner.” 

The spring election will take place on April 2, coinciding with the state’s presidential preference primary.

According to Oneida County Clerk Tracy Hartman, the Wisconsin Elections Commission has until today (Tuesday, Jan. 9) to confirm the candidates whose names will be on the ballot. However, as of press time for this edition, Fugle and Sowinski were the only candidates listed for the Branch II seat.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].