By Kim McDarison

Three applicants seeking an appointment as the city’s interim municipal judge will be considered during a special meeting of the Whitewater Common Council to be held Wednesday, at 6 p.m.

According to information included in the packet of the special meeting, the applicants are city attorney Jonathan McDonell, litigation and trial attorney John William Nelson, and Art Coleman, who ran unsuccessfully for the municipal judge seat against former Judge Patrick Taylor in April 2023. Responding to a candidates questionnaire in advance of the election, Coleman described his occupation as “Department of Corrections.”

Taylor made known his intentions to resign as municipal judge in letter to Whitewater City Manager John Weidl last month. His resignation becomes effective June 1. 

During a Whitewater Common Council held April 16, council members opted to hold a special meeting Wednesday, May 1, to review applicants who came forward by Friday, April 26. The process which has been undertaken by council members anticipates the selection of an interim judge this evening.

The newly appointed interim judge will next attend a new municipal judge orientation in Appleton May 7-10, as outlined within the council-approved process.

The appointed interim judge will serve until such time when a special election can be held to fill the remainder of Taylor’s term, which will end in 2027.

An earlier story about Taylor’s resignation and the appointment process approved by council last month is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/municipal-judge-applications-sought-taylor-thanks-community-for-the-honor-to-serve/.

As noted in tonight’s meeting packet, applicants will be asked a series of questions, including:

• How do you handle cases involving emotional or sensitive issues, ensuring empathy while remaining objective?

• Describe your background and experience.

• What do you think is the most important skill of being a good judge?

• What are the roles and responsibilities of a judge?

• What do you think the most difficult part of being a judge would be?

• What is the most complex piece of litigation in which you have been involved?

• You will have parties and attorneys appearing before you from widely diverse backgrounds. What in your professional experience prepares you for the challenges this may present?

• Share an example of a particular case or community service experience and what you learned from it.

• Describe the research, editing and writing you do in your current role and how it relates to the tasks of a judge.

• Why do you want the position?

McDonell

Among materials submitted as part of his application, McDonell wrote that he has served as an attorney for eight years, including serving between 2016 and 2023, as the assistant city attorney and city attorney for the city of Whitewater.

He wrote: “Throughout my career, I have long aspired to preside as a municipal judge. It is a role I view not only as a professional opportunity but also as a chance to contribute to the fair administration of justice within our municipality. My tenure as the city prosecutor since 2016 has provided me with invaluable insights into the nuances of municipal law and the responsibilities associated with adjudicating cases at this level.”

The applicant further described himself as a “lifelong resident of Whitewater,” with a “deep-rooted connection to our community and a genuine investment in its well-being.”

McDonell’s full application is here: http://whitewaterwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ITEM-Attachment-001-f6fa6b8d66084b32abbce7ceecda7a86.pdf.

Nelson

Among materials submitted as part of his application, Nelson noted that he additionally planned to run for the permanent position when an election is held.

He noted that he lives in Whitewater near Lincoln Elementary School, with two children attending school within the Whitewater Unified School District.

The applicant wrote: “The reason I believe I am well suited for this position is because of my experience running my own law firm while focusing on trial and litigation matters. I am familiar with courtroom procedure in multiple jurisdictions, including the rules of evidence. I have handled multiple jury trials—including civil and criminal trials in State and Federal courts— as well as hundreds of non-jury trials like the ones held in Municipal Court. I know I can run trials and hearings effectively, efficiently, and within the bounds of the law. My practice in Georgia resulted in the representation of numerous clients for whom English was a second language, or who did not speak English at all.”

Nelson’s full application is here: http://whitewaterwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ITEM-Attachment-001-a9d9cb8281714655996e434767d086e5.pdf.

Coleman

Among materials submitted as part of his application, Coleman noted that he was ready to serve as interim judge and take the three-day course for new judges as outlined by the council.

The applicant wrote that he is a: “dedicated professional with over 20 years in the criminal justice field.” He additionally noted that he has an “ability to work well independently or in groups,” and has “experience working with diverse populations and adapting to varying situations and environments.”

Coleman described himself as a retiree as of February, 2023, who is employed part-time at Complete Wall Specialties in Elkhorn. Under a resume heading of “Relevant Experience,” Coleman noted that he served as a probation and parole agent in Kenosha, Elkhorn and Janesville  between the collective years of 1999 and 2023.

Coleman’s full application is here:http://fortatkinsononline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ITEM-Attachment-001-96647b03c08049ae9c8b74c99eae34d7.pdf.

Tonight’s special council meeting will be held in the Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater. The meeting can be attended in person and virtually. A link to the full agenda is here: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=WHITEWATWI&me=27c964d1620f4cb78f26818b29270318&ip=True.