Dear Editors:

I have lived in Jefferson County for over 15 years. My two adult children both attended
Lake Mills public schools, graduating from Lake Mills High School and the University of
Wisconsin at Madison. I am a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and American
Legion Post 67 in Lake Mills. I am also a criminal defense attorney.

This year, for the first time in many years we have a contested election for the position of
Jefferson County District Attorney. I am acquainted with both candidates for that position, and
thus far have been quiet about my preference for who the next District Attorney should be. I
have been personally and professionally acquainted with outgoing District Attorney David
Wambach for many years. Mr. Wambach is a skilled trial attorney, and has chosen to continue
his long career in public service at the Attorney General’s Office. I always supported his
campaigns for re-election, and I wish him well.

This past weekend, however, I received a mailing from candidate Peter Tempelis which
compels me to speak out. In that mailing, he implicitly demeans attorneys like myself, and his
opponent, Susan Happ, for fulfilling our constitutionally mandated roles in our adversary system
of criminal justice. Our system of justice is based upon the premise that it would be better to let
one hundred guilty persons go free than to see one innocent person punished. Criminal defense
lawyers and prosecutors appear in the same courtrooms, are required to know the same statutes
and case law, and both play integral roles in the criminal justice system.

Both candidates are familiar with the criminal justice system. The notion that one is
better than the other simply because of the side of the courtroom they are presently seated on is
patently absurd. You need not take my word for this. The truth of this is demonstrated by the
broad law enforcement support enjoyed by Susan Happ. She has also been endorsed by longtime
former Jefferson County District Attorney Linda Larson.

Like many of my peers who work in the criminal justice system, I support Susan Happ in
this fall’s election. I do so for the sole reason that in my opinion, of the two candidates, she has
more relevant professional and life experience, and is most qualified to be the next District
Attorney.

I do not expect anyone to accept this simply because I say so. However, I implore all
voters to research both candidates on their merits and cast their vote based upon facts, not glib
ads, or inappropriate stereotypes.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael C. Witt