Whitewater: Municipal judge candidates respond to questionnaire

Patrick E. Taylor 

Age: 66

Address: 129 N. Esterly Ave.

Occupation: Judge, Lawyer, University Educator

Number of years resided in city: 6

Education: Batchelor of Arts (B.A.), Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Civic and other organizational memberships: 

• Whitewater City Governance: President, Board of Zoning Appeals; Secretary, Urban Forestry Commission; Member, Ethics Commission.
• President, Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
• President, Board of Trustees First United Methodist Church. 
• Lecturer in Business Law, Franklin University.
• Chair, UWW Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Chapter Advisory Board.
• Whitewater Grocery Cooperative, Finance and Legal Committee.
• Member, Wisconsin State Bar. 
• Member, Walworth County Bar Association.
• Member, Wisconsin Municipal Judges’ Association.
• Volunteer Meals on Wheels Driver.

Political experience:  Four years as Whitewater Municipal Judge. 

What are your reasons for seeking this position? 

I am deeply committed to our community and my work as judge adds important value to the general welfare. I hope to continue to use my unique skill, knowledge, and experience to positively influence the defendants in my courtroom and by doing so, improve the quality of life in our downtown and neighborhoods. 

Each defendant has a unique situation requiring careful attention, understanding, problem-solving, and implementation of the most appropriate remedies the law will allow. Some may be one-time offenders, but others repeatedly make poor choices. For these defendants there will be increasing consequences coupled with an attempt to understand the causes of bad behavior and to educate and guide them to find a solution for correction.

I started several programs and procedures that have had a positive impact on defendants affording them the opportunity to become contributing citizens to a safer and stronger Whitewater. I will continue to grow this work in my second term of office. 

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?

There are a number of pressing issues, but the following are the most pressing: 

School referrals of juveniles to my court are a last resort and by the time they come to me, many are a step away from entering the criminal justice system. Stopping this downward trajectory of our children is paramount. 

As judge, I developed and implement a 360-degree approach by bringing together as many aspects of the youth’s life as possible including parents/guardians, school district administrators (including the school resource officer) and both county and university counseling services. All juvenile citations are mandatory appearances with parents. The courtroom is cleared, and we work one on one. School administrators now attend to inform me of the child’s history and parental involvement. We then all work together to identify “causes” of bad behavior and address those rather than simply the bad behavior itself. This requires an assessment of family dynamics. I then craft thoughtful consequences designed to educate and encourage good behaviors. I am extremely pleased to have begun a mental health program with the county for those families in need. This approach is working to get young peoples’ lives back on track.  

Another significant pressing issue is working with and educating our increasing immigrant population. These folks have arrived in a place where they likely do not speak the language, do not understand the role of the police and processes, are distrustful and fearful of authority, feel powerless and believe they will not be heard. Initially, it is imperative to eliminate language barriers, and my court always has an interpreter. I carefully and respectfully explain the process, the basis for the citation, their rights, options, and potential consequences. I further explain potential consequences of repeat violations if the criminal courts become involved. 

My obligation is to ensure “all” who come before me understand their situation so they can make informed decisions. 

What unique perspective do you bring? 

Prior to becoming judge, I was a trial lawyer for 35 years. This experience has not only been invaluable but necessary to every aspect of being an effective judge. I am licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, and I am a member of the Walworth County Bar Association and Wisconsin Municipal Judges’ Association. Throughout my lengthy career I have had thousands of court appearances before state and federal judges including dozens of trials. This extensive experience allows my courtroom to run effectively and efficiently. I have defended public entities including cities, police, school districts, universities, churches as well as individuals and companies in a wide variety of matters.

It’s imperative that a judge know how to find the applicable law, read and understand that law and correctly apply it to the particular circumstances. My vast experience as both judge and lawyer provides this ability. Without these skills, justice cannot be served.

As your municipal judge, I have presided over thousands of cases including hundreds involving juveniles and dozens of trials. I work with the city and defense attorneys, law enforcement, the school district, university, the county, and community, to craft fair and thoughtful dispositions to further reduce repeat offenders. I conduct indigency hearings, initial appearances, juvenile hearings, review pre-trail plea agreements, motions to reopen, and motions to exclude evidence, and conduct trials. Often warrants, capiases and commitments to jail must be ordered. Legal issues at trial often include complex Constitutional questions of Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights, operating a motor vehicle while impaired and its various elements and forms, nuances of landlord/tenant, theft, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia law, among others. A judge must not only understand the law but know the rights of the parties and know the rules of evidence. Experience matters in the administration of justice.

My experience, knowledge and skill give me a unique perspective, and I am highly qualified to continue to work hard and serve our community as municipal judge for another term.  

Any additional comments? 

For me, it is important that elected officials are seen in the community, serve the community, and be an active part of the community. As you can see from my civic activities, I have been heavily involved in our community and doing what I can to lend my expertise and energies to help make our city a better place. 

My priorities are to continue to operate the judicial branch of the city effectively and efficiently, administering community justice thoughtfully, fairly, and impartially, and reducing repeat offenders. 

I am hopeful that after reading this you will agree I am the clear choice for your vote for reelection as municipal judge.