Jan 11, 2016 - I have focused my practice in the civil arena and I am also a. CPA, so I will be able to hit the ground r
MTI-VOTERS 2016 QUESTIONNAIRE Wisconsin Supreme Court/Dane County Circuit Court Please respond to each of the following questions. If you wish to add/clarify your response, please attach a separate sheet and designate your responses with the same number which appears in the questionnaire.
1. Why are you seeking this position? For the past 25 years as an attorney, I’ve handled complex civil cases in Circuit Courts and Appeals Courts throughout Wisconsin. I’ve represented victims of domestic violence pro bono. I have extensive courtroom experience as a litigator. I’ve seen the difference good judges make in bringing fairness, respect for those who come before them and knowledge of the law to the cases they hear. And that is the kind of judge I will strive to be. Branch 3, which was vacated when Judge Albert retired, hears civil cases such as business and contract disputes, foreclosures and real estate cases. I have focused my practice in the civil arena and I am also a CPA, so I will be able to hit the ground running in this Branch. The Dane County Circuit Court hears cases from homicide to business disputes from divorce to adoptions – in other words, cases that have a direct effect on the lives of many people and on the future of our communities. Dane County has been very well served by the caliber of the Judges we’ve had on Circuit Court and it would be an honor to serve.
2. Contrast/Compare yourself with your opponents. I am unopposed in this campaign but I appreciate this opportunity to share some of my qualifications with the Committee. For the last 25 years, I’ve practiced law at Quarles and Brady in Madison. I focus on civil cases – contract disputes, business, receiverships, and real estate matters. I’ve tried cases in courts all around the State as well as in the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Federal Courts. I work pro bono, or as a volunteer, to help with cases for victims of domestic violence. I’ve helped, pro-bono, nonprofit organizations with incorporation and tax issues, too. I volunteer as a mediator for the Dane County Bar Association and an Arbitrator for the State Bar and I was elected president of the Bar Association in 2011. I am also am active in the community: I serve or served on the Zoo Commission, my neighborhood association and as treasurer of my church. My background, my qualifications and my commitment to serving all the people of Dane County are what make me the best candidate for this important job. I am also very honored that a growing list of more than 150 attorneys, Judges and community leaders have endorsed my candidacy. They include Judges Maryann Sumi (retired) and Steve Ehlke; Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney; and former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
3. Explain your judicial philosophy (focus on education and public sector labor). I know that for all who come to court, their case - no matter how large or small - is of utmost importance. Everyone should leave the courtroom knowing they got a fair shake. As a judge, I will apply the law to the facts and come prepared each day to efficiently, thoroughly and fairly hear the cases before me.
Although it is not part of my judicial philosophy, I do want to note how important public schools and education have been to me throughout my life. I come from a working class background – my grandfather was a miner and a member of his union -- and my parents saw education as the way to advance. My teachers in Pardeeville were a great influence on me, encouraging me, opening up new avenues of thought and learning and broadening my worldview. I worked my way through college and law school, financing my education with jobs and scholarships. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School and first in my law school class.
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Name of Campaign Committee
Valerie Bailey-Rihn for Judge Committee
Address
P.O. Box 623, Madison WI 53701
Treasurer
Jack Sweeney
If endorsed, will you accept PAC money from MTI-VOTERS? Yes, I would be honored to earn MTI-VOTERS endorsement. Since I am unopposed in the election, I will not be seeking contributions. If you are accepting PAC contributions, from which organizations have you received/do you expect contributions? See above
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What assistance do you seek from MTI's Political Action Committee, if your candidacy is endorsed? If I earn your endorsement, my campaign would appreciate my name being listed among your endorsed candidates. We would appreciate updates and information about events at which I might appear or other opportunities to interact with MTI members and voters.
Valerie Bailey-Rihn Signature January 11, 2016 Date
