Candidates for Perry County Associate Circuit Judge bring different experience

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The two Republican candidates seeking voter approval in the Aug. 3 primary for Perry County Associate Circuit Judge both say it's their experience that makes them qualified for the public office.

Still, incumbent Michael Bullerdieck, who's been associate circuit judge for nearly 24 years, and Jason Tilley, a lawyer in Perryville, have different backgrounds.

Tilley, a native of Perryville, graduated from Central Missouri State University and began his career working with the developmentally disabled population. It wasn't until 1998 that Tilley decided he wanted to pursue a career in law.

"I started law school when I was 30. I just made the decision ... and I'm glad I did it. That's the kind of work that's life-changing," Tilley said.

Just two years into running his own practice, Tilley decided last summer to run for associate circuit judge. The time was right, Tilley said, and as a father of two, he feels he can keep the families of Perry County safe.

Craig Brewer

"My experience is extremely unique," Tilley said. "I've got a successful business and I asked myself, can I bring something new and unique to the position? I think I can."

Bullerdieck's experience in the legal field dates back to 1974 when he opened his own law firm. He became associate circuit judge in Perry County in 1986, hoping at that time to continue the tradition of his predecessor.

"The job was important because the work load increased. That was the main thing ... to follow in his footsteps, keep up a good operation and get cases out as quickly as possible," Bullerdieck said.

In the last three years he has handled an average of more than 2,116 cases.

Of his 24 years, Bullerdieck said he's enjoyed each day because they've all been different.

Michael Bullerdieck

"In this position, you handle such a variety of cases," he said.

He's proud to have been the chair of the 32nd Judicial Circuit Family Rules Committee, which developed court rules in domestic cases.

Bullerdieck said he also helped to consolidate the divisions in the Perry County court system, resulting in a grant for courthouse improvements.

If re-elected, Bullerdieck said, he'd continue to treat lawyers, clerks and defendants fairly. A good attitude, he added, is an important trait for those holding public office.

"For a lot of people, it's their first time in a court system. Sometimes they can get a little belligerent and upset, and you have to have the personality to handle them and explain things to them the best you can," Bullerdieck said. "I think I'm very good at that. I'm patient."

Tilley said it's important for a person holding public office to be honest and to stay grounded. If he was elected, he'd uphold many of the things in place in Perry County already, including an efficient, smart staff.

"I think we've got a good staff there. The attorneys work very hard, and you want to create a situation where they want to continue to perform well," Tilley said.

Perfect timing

Without knowing who he'll be facing in the November election, Perryville native and Democratic candidate Craig Brewer is hesitant to speak about why he's more qualified than his Republican opponent in the race for associate circuit judge.

Still, Brewer, who's running without an opponent in the primary, says the variety of cases he has tried would give him a new perspective as a judge in Perry County. About one-third of the clients he sees are involved in criminal cases, another third are family and domestic issues and the remainder involve real estate, bankruptcy and juvenile matters.

"I've done all that stuff. I've done it for 10, 11 years now, and I'm at a point in my life where I feel like I'm ready to take on that challenge," Brewer said. "The judgeship has always been something that's been attractive to me. It's a perfect time to take this opportunity."

Currently a lawyer at the Brewer Law Firm with his father, Dennis, Brewer was introduced to the inside of a courtroom at a young age.

He received his bachelor's degree in political science and English from the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1998. He briefly worked for a law firm in Columbia while his wife finished college and then Brewer joined his father's firm in the late 1990s.

Brewer said his experience at his law firm in Perryville and his lifelong residency in Perry County make him qualified for associate circuit judge.

"I feel like I am immersed in my community and understand the attitudes and morals of its citizens. I believe this is important," Brewer wrote in his candidate questionnaire.

Brewer believes an associate circuit judge must remain unbiased in each case and address matters, such as sentencing, on a case-by-case basis.

As judge, Brewer said he'd uphold the Perry County's reputation in being efficient in quickly moving cases through the court system.

"Any public official knows you want to act in a way that gives the public confidence in what you're doing," Brewer said. "Judges in particular are obligated to the code of judicial ethics and those require, basically, we uphold the public's trust. We keep personal, social, family relationships outside of the courtroom."

ehevern@semissourian.com

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