Second candidate files for retiring judge's seat

Amid the buzz in the local law community over who could replace the retiring Judge William L. Syler in an election later this year, a second local attorney has announced plans to run for the seat.

Michael Gardner of Cape Girardeau intends to join Trae Bertrand on the ballot, which should set up a primary race in August for the seat of presiding judge of the 32nd Judicial Circuit that includes Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry counties. Gardner and Bertrand both are Republicans.

Syler, after 22 years holding the seat, announced his retirement earlier this month. He will retire in December at the end of his term.

Gardner is an active partner in the Osburn, Hine, Yates & Murphy law firm in Cape Girardeau with jury trial experience in state and federal courts, according to a news release announcing his intention to seek the Division I judge seat. He also has led cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court, and has experience on civil and criminal cases from the time he spent as a clerk at the Missouri Supreme Court for Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr.

"I salute Judge Syler for his distinguished service and wish him well in retirement," Gardner said in the release. "I believe my background and extensive experience make me well prepared to be a very effective judge for all the people starting on day one."

Gardner's community involvement includes acting as president-elect of the Cape West Rotary Club, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Foundation Board and a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. He and his family, which includes his wife, Kristi, and three children, are members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau.

Gardner graduated from Notre Dame Regional High School and earned political science and law degrees from the University of Missouri. He also is a member of the board of governors of the Missouri Bar.

Leading Gardner's campaign committee are local businessmen Danny Essner and Fritz Sander.

Bertrand, also of Cape Girardeau, is a partner at Bradshaw, Steele, Cochrane & Berens law firm and has practiced civil and criminal law for nine years.

The presiding judge often oversees the most complicated, serious and high-profile cases in a circuit and is elected to a six-year term while other associate judges in the circuit serve four-year terms. Filing for the seat opens Feb. 25. The seats of the Division III associate circuit judge, represented by Gary A. Kamp, and Division IV associate circuit judge, represented by Scott A. Lipke, also will be on the ballot this year.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

44 N. Lorimier St., Cape Girardeau, MO

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