By Press Times Staff

HOWARD – The only contested race on the ballot for the Village of Howard April 7 is selecting the next municipal judge.

Brian Stevens was appointed to the role Nov. 1, 2019, after Gregg Schreiber, who has served in the position since 1999, moved out of the village.

Challenging Stevens is Catherine Frey Hughes, a retired Wisconsin State Trooper who has held the trustee seat for Wards 5 & 6 since 2005.

The Press Times emailed each candidate the same questions and gave them 100 words to respond to each.

The top vote-getter for municipal judge will serve the final year of Schreiber’s term in office.

Brian Stevens

Brian Stevens

Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me because I’m dedicated to both the community and the mission of the job, which is to provide fair and impartial hearings on municipal cases coming before the court.

My degree in political science, my law degree and my experience as an attorney make me the most qualified candidate.

In fact, I was hired by the village board in November of 2019 based on these qualifications.

People will know, after leaving my court, that they have had the opportunity to present their side and were heard, regardless of outcome.

What’s the biggest issue in the Howard Municipal Court?

The biggest issue is effective sentencing, especially for juvenile matters.

I am working on creating and implementing a community service process for juveniles, who now might just receive a fine.

These minors often don’t have access to funds, so fines are either paid by parents or linger for years until collections occur when they’re adults.

Through community service, the minors would be held responsible for their actions while learning about community values and the importance of participation.

It should also provide a better deterrent to other misconduct.

What background and experience do you believe is necessary to be the municipal judge in Howard?

My court experience, working for judges and as a lawyer appearing before them, has given me an ability to see what techniques are most effective.

Good judges understand the law and apply it consistently.

They show their wisdom by being impartial, open-minded, and they listen carefully to the arguments presented.

They follow the rules of evidence and apply burdens of proof, and issue sentences accordingly.

As a judge, I respect the importance of preserving the rights of those who come before the court and enforcing the laws for the well-being and protection of the community.

Catherine Frey Hughes

Catherine Frey Hughes

Why should people vote for you?

Electing me is making the correct selection for the Howard Municipal Judge position.

The great amount of education, experience, training and constant active participation in the courts has provided me with the exact qualities needed to be the best choice.

My life experiences, volunteering for varied events, observation and listening skills adds to the required broadness of understanding a judge should have.

The honor of serving as a Howard trustee for Wards 5 & 6 since 2005 has provided much knowledge and experience of what is important to our village.

I’ve lived in Howard for more than 50 years.

What’s the biggest issue in the Howard Municipal Court?

In speaking with our residents in regard to our municipal court, there seems to be a concern about the time court is in session.

In addition, I have heard from staff the same concern.

From my experience with several municipal courts, there is not a consistent time when court is in session.

Flexible time for all our court participants could be explored, making it accessible for all those who wish to appear.

If there needs to be a special time, this can also occur.

Having court available to all when needed is essential to our justice system.

What background and experience do you believe is necessary to be the Municipal Judge in Howard?

Municipal Court cases are over 95 percent traffic cases.

As a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper, traffic was the main focus.

My experience with the highly varied traffic laws, their requirements, commercial motor vehicle laws and many others, provided me with the knowledge, skills and training required for the municipal judge.

In addition, being a Village of Bonduel officer and Howard Village trustee contributed to ordinance knowledge, from the development stage, having the ordinance passed, and sharing the information to the residents of the village.

Active participation in all aspects provides great learning, knowledge and experience.