Director's column: On the road with Chief Justice Abrahamson

A. John Voelker

I knew it was going to be a long, cold commute when the alarm went off at 5 a.m. January 24. It was below zero and only expected to get colder and snowier as I ventured off on a two-day, four-county tour with Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson.

Driving proved harrowing at times, but the trip was well worth it. It isn't often one gets the opportunity to learn so much from the people who make the justice system operate and from the Chief Justice herself. (She fired me in jest three times, but had no choice but to rehire me, or face a long walk home).

I also was fortunate enough to attend a retirement party for Tenth District Court Administrator Gregg Moore on his home turf, where it was clear how much his talent and friendship have been appreciated.

There was one definite theme that came through during the trip, whether discussing issues with the Chief in the car, talking to judges, court staff, lawyers, and law enforcement, or recognizing the contributions of valued staff: The justice system in this state has many very talented folks who are committed to serving the people of this state. I am very fortunate to be in a position to advocate for such a dedicated group of people, even if it means an occasional white-knuckle drive.

The journey begins
Let me take you along for the ride to Jackson, Trempealeau, Eau Claire and Chippewa counties - stops 45, 46, 47 and 48, respectively on the Chief's 72-county tour of the state. We also visited with Ho-Chunk Nation judicial, executive and legislative leaders, who kindly invited us for a visit. The Chief visited the other 44 counties by herself.

Thursday, January 24
6:20 a.m. After a quick pit stop for coffee, including a cup for the Chief, I arrive at her house. I was nervous that she may not be ready because she had an evening speech the night before in Milwaukee and would have arrived home quite late.  My fear soon subsided, however, as the Chief quickly appeared from her house, suitcase in tow. 

8:45 a.m. We arrive in Black River Falls, and I notice the bank temperature sign reads minus 18. It felt bitter cold, but that didn't deter a number of people from the media, law enforcement, the local bar, court staff, and county government from gathering in the courtroom for a discussion about the justice system.

It was a great opportunity to hear about the challenges facing the system, as well as the creative responses that have developed. We discussed videoconferencing, inmate classification and funding for district attorneys.

We covered a lot of topics quickly before Seventh District Court Administrator Pat Brummond let us know we needed to move on in order to stay on schedule. Before we left, Jackson County board chairman, Steve Dickinsen, who once advocated closing down the courts to save money, commended the Chief Justice for her leadership in identifying new approaches to address the funding issues facing the courts at the local level.  It was a perfect time to move on – leaving on a high note, of which there were many during our tour.

11:30 a.m. We pull into the parking lot of the relatively new Wa Ehi Hoci, or court facility of the Ho-Chunk Nation. It was amazing to see the progress the tribal court has made over the years.  A court system that once operated out of a trailer is now housed in a very well-designed and attractive courthouse.  A tour led by Ho-Chunk Trial Judge Todd Matha wrapped up with a stop in the room that houses the nation's traditional court – a wood paneled room with an impressive round fire pit in the center provided a glimpse of the importance tradition can play in the Ho-Chunk nation. 

Tradition continued to be evident as we were invited as guests of the tribe at a luncheon that included traditional drumming and singing. All of the hospitality put us a bit behind schedule…

Chief Justice Abrahamson and Director of State Courts A. John Voelker, center, visit with Trempealeau County Sheriff Richard Anderson, far left, Jackson County Sheriff Duane Waldera and Trempealeau County Circuit Court Judge John A. Amon, far right, on the set of Anderson's cable television access show in Whitehall. Photo by Patrick Brummond.

1:00 p.m. We arrive in Whitehall at the Alternative Grounds restaurant for another luncheon (no we didn’t eat again) visit with leaders of the justice system, county board Chair Barb Semb and Rep. Barbara Gronemus, D-Whitehall. We talked about the county's drug court, teen court and criminal justice coordinating council.

Our next stop in Whitehall was unique – an appearance on Trempealeau County Sheriff Richard Anderson's regularly scheduled cable-access TV show.  Initially, I thought a 30-minute show sounded long, but it went very quickly, and he asked some great questions.  After recognizing a number of volunteers within the court system at an awards ceremony at the courthouse, it was off to Eau Claire.

6:15 p.m. We arrive in Eau Claire, and after a few minutes of unpacking at the hotel, the Tenth District's unofficial welcoming committee – Chief Judge Benjamin D. Proctor and district court administrator Gregg Moore, picked us up for dinner.  Gregg even got his car washed for the occasion.  It was a great evening at a nice restaurant filled with good conversation. 

Friday, January 25
8:30 a.m. After meeting with the Eau Claire County Circuit Court judges to assess the state of the judiciary in the county, the Chief Justice and I toured the courthouse. We met many of the hard-working members of the clerk of circuit court staff, who are the public face of the system. We then met with a series of individuals in a reception, where we addressed issues ranging from judicial need in Eau Claire to the rationale behind recent Supreme Court decisions.

11:45 a.m. At the conclusion of a brief interview with a local television station, Judge Proctor, the Chief Justice and I met with the editorial board of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. Because Eau Claire County has a number of innovative programs, the discussion focused on the many good things that are happening in the community and briefly on public financing for Supreme Court races.  With a sandwich in one hand, steering wheel in the other, the Chief read directions as we headed for Chippewa County…

1:15 p.m. We arrive in Chippewa County, meeting first with the judges and the publisher and a reporter from the Chippewa Herald. The Chief then "held court" in one of the branches, fielding a variety of questions from individuals in the crowded courtroom. In order for her staff to meet the Chief (what am I, chopped liver?), the clerk of circuit court mentioned it was the first time she closed her office during business hours.

4:45 p.m. With the navigation system on, we head out to find the party – Gregg Moore's retirement party that is. Unfortunately, the snow had started to fall, and that wasn't a good sign for the ride back to Madison.  With the banquet room very full, Gregg was honored for his significant contributions to the court system during his 24 years of service.  The program was a proper send off for Gregg, and it allowed me to tell a few stories about Gregg that not many people were aware of. I won't go into sordid details here…

7:45 p.m. We brush off the car, hoping for better weather as we head south.  To my chagrin, neither the weather nor the roads improved.  We passed through some snow and then some freezing drizzle. It seems that all the salt trucks were on the other side of the interstate.  Despite the weather, many drivers don't reduce their speed, and we see more than a dozen cars in the median.  I don’t know if the Chief Justice was tired or afraid to watch me drive, but she did close her eyes on a few occasions during the trip home.

Midnight I drop the Chief off at home.

12:15 a.m. I pull into my driveway, happy to make it home safely from a very productive trip.

Saturday, January 26
6:00 a.m. The Chief prepared to leave for the Conference of Chief Justices while I slept.

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