By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
In a letter to the city manager dated April 1, Municipal Judge Patrick Taylor tendered his resignation effective June 1. Taylor, who has served for five years, indicated that his wife, Grace Crickette, “has taken a position as vice president of her alma mater, the University of Redlands in California, and I must follow her there.”
Taylor added, “Many thanks to my staff, Beatriz Aranda and Mike Ciardo, for their support and guidance. I am also grateful for the participation of WUSD high school and middle school administrators who wholeheartedly accepted my invitation to be active participants, as well as Walworth County Health and Human Services professionals who provide needed services beyond the significant capabilities of the schools. It was also a privilege to work with the city attorney and witness the professionalism of the WPD as few people can.”
“Preparation, understanding, impartiality, and creative resolutions are among the keys to successfully administrating community justice and are prerequisites to steering lives onto a more constructive path. To my successor I would suggest adopting this philosophy and an inclusive 360-degree approach, and never underestimate the positive effect you can make. I will be available to assist as needed. Above all, I am exceptionally grateful to this community filled with kind, thoughtful and generous people. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.”
Per a state statute, the Chief Judge of the Judicial Administrative District may designate another municipal judge…until the municipal governing body fills the vacancy…The power of appointment by the Chief Judge is limited to 90 days…” John Weidl, city manager, placed discussion of the subject on the council agenda for April 16, obviously presuming that the council would prefer to make a timely appointment rather than relying on an outside temporary designation. He provided a proposed schedule “designed to ensure the seamless integration of the new appointee with the outgoing judge, facilitating an effective onboarding period before June.” Weidl suggested establishing a deadline for applications of April 30, with vetting of the candidates to occur at the May 7 council meeting. Alternatively he proposed the possibility of calling a special meeting to expedite the process, with the hope that the incoming judge might be able to attend the New Municipal Judge Orientation hosted by the Wisconsin Judicial Education division of the Director of State Court’s Office. This orientation will take place in Appleton from May 7-10. Weidl’s view is that the city’s “prompt identification and appointment of the new judge could significantly benefit from this educational opportunity, ensuring a well-prepared judiciary to serve our community.”
The state statute specifies that ultimately a special election should be held, and Weidl suggests that this be scheduled as part of the November election, indicating that the winner will serve out the remainder of the original term that expires in May 2027.
