Edward Kondracki, Chief of Police, La Crosse
“Todd is an extremely centered individual who gives equal consideration to the rights of victims and those accused of criminal activity . . . Todd has his moral compass ‘set on true north’ and has the courage to make difficult decisions.”

Rob, Drug Court Graduate, La Crosse
“Todd has gone out of his way on many occasions to help me to help myself.  He has shown me that I don’t need someone to do it for me, but that I can do things for myself with a little help, a little trust, and a lot of support.  He has been one of my strongest supporters while in The Drug Court Program . . . He is in no way an ordinary man doing an ordinary job.  He helps and he makes a difference.”

Scott Horne, District Attorney, La Crosse County, Wisconsin
“Mr. Bjerke has demonstrated one of the qualities most important to a judge – the ability to listen before making decision[s] . . . in his courtroom, all parties will recognize that they have had a fair hearing in which their arguments have been fully considered, regardless of the outcome in the case.  This quality is essential for the community to have respect and confidence in its judicial system.”

Rhonda Amundsen, Dawn Bender, Sarah Christensen, Anne Christianson, Karen Frey, Carol Hammes, Kathy Hole, Kristie Manley, Pam Mitchell, Donna Walters, and Karen Willinger, Members of the Staff of the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office, La Crosse
“Over [the] years, we have come to greatly admire him for his knowledge of and respect for the law, his tireless dedication, and his determination to achieve a just outcome in each and every one of his cases.  Todd is honorable and unencumbered by politics or self interest . . . Todd remains consistent, focused and organized, despite an overwhelming case load.”

Mark Huesmann, Attorney and Army Reserve Major, Holmen
"I have found him to be a man of the highest degree of integrity coupled with an exceptional knowledge of the law . . . His approach to cases has been forthright, thoughtful, and pragmatic.”
“Mr. Bjerke and I have discussed military matters frequently over the years and the fact that he has ascended to the rank of full colonel in the Army Reserves speaks volumes in terms of his leadership abilities and dedication to our nation and its values.”

Ronald Latva, Police Chief, Town of Campbell
"I have found Todd to be very knowledgeable regarding Wisconsin State Statutes as well as having excellent people skills.  He is sympathetic to victims as well as defendants.  This will help make him an excellent circuit court judge.  He is always well prepared from initial appearances, to pre-trial conferences, to trials, to sentencing.  He uses his time well and always has time for questions from local police officers."

Kim Williams, 911 Dispatch Clerk/Validation Officer, Onalaska
"Todd's education, experience with all types of law, exceptional listening skills, genuine respect for others, fairness, military record, and truly an honorable man makes him the only choice for Circuit Court Branch 3. I am very proud to know him and work with him."

Tim Guth, Attorney, La Crosse
“I have found him to be open minded and willing to listen to both sides of an issue which I believe is crucial in being a fair and great judge.”

Todd Liebman, Corporation Counsel and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, Baraboo
“His combination of hard work, ability, intellect and compassion make him the ideal choice [for] circuit court judge.”
“[He] has held several leadership positions in the Army Reserve, and I know him as a leader who inspires the confidence of those who work for him as well as leaders for whom he works.  He has always treated anyone who works for him with compassion and respect.  As a practicing attorney, I can say that these qualities would serve him well on the bench as a circuit court judge.”

Helen Kelly, Attorney, La Crosse
“He is well respected for his ability to communicate effectively with people at every level of the judicial system.”

Edward Kondracki, Chief of Police, La Crosse*
      I have personally known Todd Bjerke for the past nearly thirteen years during which time I have had occasion to work closely with him in my role as Chief of Police for the City of La Crosse.  I have found Todd to be a highly intelligent and dedicated officer of the court.  Todd has always made himself available for advice and consultation on criminal law matters virtually 24 hours a day.  Todd is an extremely centered individual who gives equal consideration to the rights of victims and those accused of criminal activity.  During my nearly forty years in Wisconsin law enforcement I have never met an individual more suited to meeting the challenges associated with the position of a Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge.
      I have found Todd Bjerke to be an individual of high ethical standards and one who is dedicated to community service.  Todd is an individual who can work closely with individuals of diverse backgrounds and has worked especially close with the Hmong community here in La Crosse.  Todd has his moral compass “set on true north” and has the courage to make difficult decisions.  I believe Todd Bjerke’s capacity for empathy and proven dedication to the Wisconsin Criminal Justice System makes him an outstanding candidate . . .

December 12, 2005
*Excerpt from Letter to Governor Jim Doyle in support of nominating Todd Bjerke for appointment to Circuit Court Branch 3

< Return to Top >

Rob, Drug Court Graduate, La Crosse
      My name is Rob. I am writing this letter on behalf of Todd Bjerke. I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Todd has played a very huge part in my new life today. I have been using drugs since the age of ten years old. I have been in trouble with the law in numerous states and accumulated several felony convictions in an effort to support my drug habit. I have spent many years in jails around the country. I have been on probation for most of my adult life and also been sent to Boot Camp Prison by the age of thirty-six. I was convinced that I would die a horrible death or die in prison due to my inability to stop using drugs. I was unable to trust myself or any-one else as long as I can remember. My family moved around so much throughout my childhood that I seldom went to the same school twice in a row. With no long term friendships in my youth, I was unable to have them in my adult life as well. Trust, compassion, and responsibility were unknown to me. My entire life revolved around drugs and crime. I had no self esteem, no pride, no self love and no love of life. The life I lived for many years would have gladly welcomed death in exchange. I was unable to care or cry. Not for me and not for you. I had no belief in myself or others. The whole world was evil and unforgiving and that was how I had to be so I could survive.
      I met Todd when I was accepted into the Drug Court Program. I was facing over forty years in prison if I failed to complete. That worried me enough that I decided to make a serious effort. I tried to do what I thought was right and quickly realized that I have no idea what is right. All I have ever done is make mistake after mistake after mistake. I knew I was out of my element for the first time in a long time. I was comfortable with doing criminal things and I was O.K. with going to jail whenever I got caught. But to make improvements in my life was something I have never done before. I was confused and I was scared to death that the first time I mess this up I will rot in prison. All that I knew for sure is that my best thinking got me right here. If I don’t do what I have never done and be who I have never been I will go to prison for a very long time. I needed help but didn’t know how to ask, when to ask, or even who to ask. I would have never guessed that the one person that always tells the Judge how bad I am would be one of the best people that ever came into my life. Todd has gone out of his way on many occasions to help me to help myself. He has shown me that I don’t need someone to do it for me, but that I can do things for myself with a little help, a little trust, and a lot of support. He has been one of my strongest supporters while in The Drug Court Program. He has also been one of the best influences I have had in my life. He has totally changed my opinion of The District Attorneys Office and helped me to believe that the other branches of law enforcement are not my bitter enemies. I am no longer afraid every time I see a police car or a Judge. I now realize what makes this Courthouse different from all the rest. When the Judge makes a decision in this Courtroom, it is based on what is in the best interest of the Drug Court client. The other Courtrooms decide what is in the best interest of the community. Todd helps me to make the decisions that are in my best interest, as well as a great many others in the program. He is in no way an ordinary man doing an ordinary job. He helps and he makes a difference.
      I went to The Unity House for Men treatment center, and then moved right into an Oxford House for recovering addicts for continued support. These are the best decisions I have ever made and they were made with the help, and support of Todd. He is one of the first people in my life to help me to care for myself.  Since that time I have managed to stay clean and sober for over two years. I also introduce Drug Court clients to The Oxford Houses if they express an interest in a recovery house. I have twice spoken at High Schools about Meth addiction and where it took control of my life and lead me into crime and isolation. I have held a job at the hospital for the entire time I have been clean and I am a valued employee, with huge support from my employers. I have never missed a days work, nor have I ever called in sick a single time. I have put in over one hundred and fifty hours in a two week pay period because I consider myself to be dependable and have a genuine concern whether my job and work succeed or fail. Today I have pride, dignity, and I am becoming the person I know myself to be. Today I do not hate myself or my life. For the first time I am responsible, happy, and grateful for what I am doing as well as where I am going. I know that I could not have accomplished this with-out the help, support, and guidance that I received from Todd Bjerke. He has truly made a huge positive impact on my life and I am very grateful. How do I thank somebody for giving me my life back. It is a debt that I will never be able to repay.

August 30, 2006

< Return to Top >

Scott Horne, District Attorney, La Crosse County, Wisconsin*
      Mr. Bjerke began as an assistant district attorney in La Crosse County in 1989 and has served in that capacity since.  During that time, he has handled the broad array of criminal cases in the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office and has served as the primary drug and gang prosecutor since the early 1990’s.
      Todd has become renowned for his work ethic and organization.  Todd has truly been a prosecutor on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He has received statewide recognition for as a drug prosecutor and his willingness to assist law enforcement at all hours of the day and night.  This work ethic and organization would serve him well on the bench.
      Todd has demonstrated a real ability to work in a collegial fashion with adversaries and other community groups.  Todd has been the lead representative from the District Attorney’s Office in the development and implementation of a drug treatment court in La Crosse County.  Because of the success of this court, he has been invited to work with other counties and the legislature in developing similar programs.  He has demonstrated a real ability to distinguish between chronic offenders who need to be incarcerated as opposed to lower-level addicted offenders who can benefit from treatment alternatives such as the drug court.  I believe this sense of balance would be of great benefit to La Crosse County as we struggle with defining the appropriate role and scope of treatment courts.
      As a drug prosecutor, Mr. Bjerke has earned the respect of his adversaries in the defense bar for his integrity and fair dealing in handling drug cases.  Prosecution of drug cases can be particularly difficult because of the involvement of informants who often had their own agenda.  Mr. Bjerke has demonstrated a determination to get at the truth, regardless of its impact on the prosecution, and has earned respect from the defense bar for this integrity.
      Finally, Mr. Bjerke has demonstrated one of the qualities most important to a judge – the ability to listen before making decisions.  As a drug prosecutor, Mr. Bjerke has demonstrated an ability and willingness to listen to defense arguments, weigh those arguments against the evidence and make appropriate decisions regarding disposition.  I am confident that in his courtroom, all parties will recognize that they have had a fair hearing in which their arguments have been fully considered, regardless of the outcome in the case.  This quality is essential for the community to have respect and confidence in its judicial system.
      I would fully support [the candidacy] of Todd Bjerke to serve as circuit court judge, Branch 3, in La Crosse County.

January 9, 2006
*Excerpt from Letter to Governor Jim Doyle in support of nominating Todd Bjerke for appointment to Circuit Court Branch 3.

< Return to Top >

Rhonda Amundsen, Dawn Bender, Sarah Christensen, Anne Christianson, Karen Frey, Carol Hammes, Kathy Hole, Kristie Manley, Pam Mitchell, Donna Walters, and Karen Willinger, Members of the Staff of the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office, La Crosse
      As support staff for the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office, we have had the opportunity to work closely with Todd for many years.  Over these years, we have come to greatly admire him for his knowledge of and respect for the law, his tireless dedication, and his determination to achieve a just outcome in each and every one of his cases.  Todd is honorable and unencumbered by politics or self interest, qualities not easily encountered in this day and age.
      As prosecutor of virtually all drug related cases in La Crosse County, Todd remains consistent, focused and organized, despite an overwhelming case load.  Todd was instrumental in the development of the Drug Court Program in La Crosse County.  Defendants who have committed crimes due to their drug addiction enter into this program and are monitored on a weekly basis.  This program has proven to be highly successful for some defendants who, before they entered the program, had been through the court system time and time again.

December 19, 2005

< Return to Top >

Mark Huesmann, Attorney and Army Reserve Major, Holmen
      I have been practicing law in La Crosse County for approximately eleven years.  During that time, I have practiced criminal defense and have handled a number of cases with Assistant District Attorney Todd W. Bjerke.  During that time, I have found him to be a man of the highest degree of integrity coupled with an exceptional knowledge of the law.  In my estimation, the highest compliment that can be paid to a lawyer is what his or her adversaries might have to say about that particular person’s performance.  Mr. Bjerke has garnered the respect and admiration of the entire La Crosse County Criminal Defense Bar.  His approach to cases has been forthright, thoughtful, and pragmatic.  It has been my observation that he has the respect of the local judiciary, as well.  Mr. Bjerke not only has the requisite skills and experience for this position, he has displayed a keen sense of intellect and even temperament that are so critical for a judge.
      I have also had occasion to know Mr. Bjerke in another capacity, as fellow officers in the United States Army Reserve.  Mr. Bjerke and I have discussed military matters frequently over the years and the fact that he has ascended to the rank of full colonel in the Army Reserves speaks volumes in terms of his leadership abilities and dedication to our nation and its values.

December 30, 2005

< Return to Top >

Ronald Latva, Police Chief, Town of Campbell
      I have known Todd since his appointment to the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office in December 1989.  As the junior prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office, Todd was assigned to handle the traffic cases within La Crosse County.  He quickly established himself as a fair and impartial prosecutor.
      His professionalism and his knowledge guided him to progress through the District Attorney’s Office to eventually handle the majority of the narcotics cases within La Crosse County as well as the Five County Metropolitan Enforcement Group narcotics task force.  I have had the opportunity to work several narcotics cases with Todd resulting in successful prosecution.
      I have found Todd to be very knowledgeable regarding Wisconsin State Statutes as well as having excellent people skills.  He is sympathetic to victims as well as defendants.  This will help make him an excellent circuit court judge.  He is always well prepared from initial appearances, to pre-trial conferences, to trials, to sentencing.  He uses his time well and always has time for questions from local police officers.
      He is a very dedicated prosecutor who will make an excellent circuit court judge.

December 15, 2005

< Return to Top >

Kim Williams, 911 Dispatch Clerk/Validation Officer, Onalaska
      I have worked with Todd Bjerke for over 12 years. Todd has the highest degree of integrity of anyone I have ever worked with. Todd's education, experience with all types of law, exceptional listening skills, genuine respect for others, fairness, military record, and truly an honorable man makes him the only choice for Circuit Court Branch 3. I am very proud to know him and work with him.

October 10, 2006

< Return to Top >

Tim Guth, Attorney, La Crosse
      I have known Todd Bjerke since we were classmates at Hamline University School of Law (1983-1984).  After passing the Minnesota Bar exam, Todd went into the United States Marine Corps as a JAG officer and I entered the United States Army as a private and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant in Special Forces (Green Berets).
      After leaving the Army in 1988, I became a criminal prosecutor in the Winona County Attorney’s Office in Winona, Minnesota and I soon learned that Todd was an Assistant District Attorney in La Crosse.  During that time period, I found Todd not only to be diligent and resourceful in handling his heavy case load but he was very helpful to Minnesota authorities in handling a wide range of investigations and extradition requests.
      In 1994, I entered private practice specializing in criminal defense work with my offices in La Crosse.  In the past 11 years, I have defended more than 150 defendants in drug cases that Todd prosecuted.  Todd’s honesty and ethics have always been beyond reproach and he has treated and continues to treat all defendants, regardless of race, fairly and equitably.  He exemplifies the highest standards of prosecutorial ethics even when his drug prosecution workload is at times quite daunting.
      Todd has been one of the leaders in the La Crosse County Drug Court program.  Without Todd’s major contributions in time and effort and his continued scholastic education in learning how to prosecute, treat and monitor drug addicts to break the criminal cycle of using, arrest and incarceration, along with those of Judge John Perlich, the Drug Court program would not be considered the great success it is in La Crosse and a model for other counties and states to emulate.
I believe that Todd would be an excellent choice [for circuit court judge, branch 3] and the citizens of La Crosse County would be well served by [electing him] as circuit court judge.
      In the 20 some years that I have known Todd both as a fellow prosecutor and now in our roles in the adversary criminal justice system, I have found him not only to be well-qualified to sit on the bench but I have also found him to be open minded and willing to listen to both sides of an issue, which I believe is crucial in being a fair and great judge.
      I can think of no one that would be a better candidate for [circuit court judge, branch 3].

January 3, 2006

< Return to Top >

Todd Liebman, Corporation Counsel and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, Baraboo
      I have been the Corporation Counsel for Sauk County for the past twelve years, and I am also a past president of the Wisconsin Association of County Corporation Counsel, our statewide professional group.  In addition, I am a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, and currently serve as the Team Leader of The Judge Advocate General’s Corps Detachment in Madison.
      I have known Assistant District Attorney Bjerke for nine years, during which time we have served together in the United States Army Reserve as well as associating professionally outside of the Reserves.  I have had the opportunity to observe him in the actual practice of law in many settings including annual training periods in Arizona and Italy as well as in our reserve unit.  I can recommend Assistant District Attorney Bjerke for . . . circuit court judge without reservation.
      Professionally, I know of no attorney who works more diligently that Assistant District Attorney Bjerke. . .
      His hard work and diligence are evenly matched by his keen legal mind.  He and I have frequently discussed case law and new precedent, and I always find his analysis to be thoughtful and thought provoking.
      Early on, I learned that Assistant District Attorney Bjerke was the most capable and competent prosecutor that I know.  Whenever I have a question regarding criminal law, and frequently questions about litigation strategy, I will call him for advice.
      Assistant District Attorney Bjerke is one of the most informed drug prosecutors in the State, and he knows more about gangs than any attorney I know.  I was privileged to attend an excellent training session that he presented on gangs, and was thoroughly impressed with his knowledge on the subject.
      Assistant District Attorney Bjerke has held several leadership positions in the Army Reserve, and I know him as a leader who inspires the confidence of those who work for him as well as the leaders for whom he works.  He has always treated anyone who works for him with compassion and respect.  As a practicing attorney, I can say that these qualities would serve him well on the bench as a circuit court judge.
      In sum, I do not believe that you could select a more qualified or seasoned attorney to be a circuit court judge for La Crosse County.  His combination of hard work, ability, intellect and compassion make him the ideal choice [for] circuit court judge.

December 15, 2005

< Return to Top >

Helen Kelly, Attorney, La Crosse
      It is my privilege to recommend Todd W. Bjerke for . . . Branch 3 Circuit Court Judge in La Crosse County.  As a criminal defense attorney, I have known and worked with Mr. Bjerke extensively during the 16 years he has been an Assistant District Attorney in La Crosse County.
      Mr. Bjerke has distinguished himself as an effective prosecutor getting favorable results for the State.  He considers all aspects of a case and works to achieve a fair, just, and compassionate resolution.  His knowledge of the law and his common sense approach to achieving justice make him an outstanding judicial candidate.
      He was a driving force in the creation of the successful La Crosse County Drug Court Program, an invaluable alternative to prison for chemically addicted defendants.  He is well respected for his ability to communicate effectively with people at every level of the judicial system.  Without question, he possesses the temperament and managerial skills to run an efficient courtroom.
      Mr. Bjerke will bring a broad perspective to the bench.  Prior to becoming a prosecutor, he served two years on active duty as a defense attorney in the United States Marine Corps.  He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and a past Director of Legal Services of his JAG unit.  He has had extensive experience serving as President of military administrative boards and handling all facets of military law.
      The [election] of Mr. Bjerke as Circuit Court Judge would provide this community with an extremely knowledgeable and capable jurist.

December 29, 2005

< Return to Top >

< Return to Home >