Experience deemed essential in judge race

Judge William Syler has presided over the 32nd Judicial Circuit for more than two decades. But on Tuesday, voters will be tasked with selecting his replacement.

Trae Bertrand, Michael Gardner and Allen Moss are the Republicans running to fill the retiring judge's seat, and all agree on one thing: It's important the next circuit judge have the right experience.

Bertrand said as he's met and spoken with voters, their concerns seem to focus on fairness and qualifications. He said he's always quick to tell them he shares their belief a judge should be fair and unbiased. He's also got nine years of experience practicing civil and criminal law he says have prepared him for a spot on the bench.

"The circuit judge presides over large civil cases and felony criminal cases. My law practice is very similar to the caseload of a circuit judge," he said.

Bertrand said he has the same conservative values as those in the circuit, "and I have a tremendous respect for people of all demographics and for property and families."

Michael Gardner

Moss also noted the importance of fairness, especially in a court that considers some of the area's most high-profile cases.

"It's life-and-death decisions," he said. "The next circuit judge will likely hear a capital murder case and have to make a determination as to whether someone is executed. There are also life decisions ... [such as] who gets custody of kids and the welfare and care of children in custody cases. When it comes to your freedom or the well-being of a child, the stakes don't get any higher than that."

As a municipal judge for Scott City, Moss also points out he already has behind-the-bench experience.

"That really is a unique perspective I have that the others don't," he said. "... You have to make public safety decisions when you're a judge and you have to make a decision about who poses a threat to the community, who can be rehabilitated and what it takes to rehabilitate them. And that's something that I've been doing for 16 years, which sets me apart from the other candidates."

Gardner points out he, too, would bring unique experiences to the position. He started his career working for Stephen Limbaugh Jr. at the Missouri Supreme Court, where he said he "worked on the biggest cases in the state, including death penalty cases." He also was appointed by the state Supreme Court as one of six attorneys in charge of the state bar exam.

Allen Moss

"I think I'm well-prepared to be a very effective circuit judge starting on day one," Gardner said. "Some of the finest circuit judges we've had took office when they were my age or younger. The question is what have you done during your career and how have you done it."

The candidates also have suggestions to improve efficiency in the courtroom and deal with the county's crowded jail. Ideas range from expanded use of video arraignments, expanded drug courts and adding another law day.

As voters make their decisions, Bertrand said he hopes they take time to consider the values of each candidate.

"It's likely the person who wins circuit judge is going to hold the office for a long time. I think it's important the voters evaluate the candidates thoroughly, especially their character," said Bertrand. "Basically, they need to vote on somebody they can trust to preside over some of the biggest cases in our circuit for the next several years."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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