The past and current judge would like the next term leading circuit court in Forest and Florence counties.
Incumbent Leon Stenz is being challenged by Robert Kennedy, Jr. whom Stenz defeated in 2008. Kennedy won election in 2002 . Kennedy has been in private practice.
Kennedy says during his term, he made the county more money in revenue than Judge Stenz...
"...I was a better manager"...
Stenz said the numbers Kennedy used weren't accurate. Stenz says the Clerk of Courts offices have reported lower costs than when Kennedy was on the bench...
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"....if you talk to the Clerk of Court, you will see I've instituted practices and procedures which have...substantially increased the efficiency of the court system..
Stenz said there was a Department of Justice Investigation into the court when Kennedy was judge about funds that were due the state were moved to the county's account....
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"....the Department of Justice was here, they talked to me as D.A., they talked to all the court personnel, District Court Administrator and Chief Judge were here...."
Kennedy says nothing came of that probe....
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"....referring to a 'quote' current State of Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation. That's not accurate. There is no such current investigation..."
Kennedy says he has a goal if elected...
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"....what good did I do today? And every day I did something that was good. Even if it was just helping somebody file a paper. Even if it was getting something done without coming back. Every little thing that you need to do that is good is what you need to do..."
Stenz says he deserves another term...
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"....I think the record would speak for itself. I'm fair and impartial. I've restored the trust and integrity of the court system. I promptly dispose of my cases and I think the voters should come out and vote to keep a good judge..."
The vote is tomorrow.
