Peter Noppenberg - Letter to Editor

My name is Judge Peter Noppenberg. I am seeking re-election as Marinette Municipal Judge.

There is a difference between the election for municipal judge in 2023 than in 2020. In 2020 Judge Carl Mercier retired and the job posting was open. Thankfully and respectfully, I was elected to the job. I have three (3) years of experience as a municipal judge.

We can all appreciate my opponent’s teaching and coaching background but unless he is a former judge or he is an attorney, he has no training or experience as a municipal judge. Why vote for someone with no job experience? It is like a person who needs a total lobotomy and the surgery is performed by a proctologist!

For the past three (3) years we have been providing the best service we can for our judicial system and the public. We help defendants reschedule their court appearances. We also help drug court members pay their debts. The court uses payroll deduction plans and debit/credit card services to help defendants pay their court fines. I have written a financial program to collect past due accounts returned to our municipal court by the State Debt Collection Agency (SCD). Another income stream is generated without raising taxes. We work with the  mayor’s office and various city departments. We attend city committee meetings and common council sessions since the years I had served on the city council as an alderperson for ward 6.

Juveniles in my court have reading and writing assignments to complete. Mr. Matt Draheim, from Marinette High School (MHS), was in our office. We discussed having meetings at MHS concerning students with truancy problems and incomplete schoolwork. Parents, teachers, law enforcement and the municipal court will be able to attend these conferences to help the students avoid court appearances and conduct productive lives. My office is also reviewing on-line coursework for juveniles under court supervision. Studies on business management and anger management could help these students. Education is critical. My children attended Marinette public schools. The public school are where our children are taught. I have had respect for teachers my entire life. Several of my relatives have been school teachers.

The code of conduct affecting municipal court judges is vitally important. Judges make decisions that affect peoples’ lives. This is not a popularity contest. Judges must avoid any conflict of interest regarding activity with public committees, community action groups, public opinion columns or elective positions that could jeopardize their standing on the bench.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate your vote so we can continue our court policy programs and service as municipal judge.

Respectfully submitted,
Honorable Peter Noppenberg,
Marinette Municipal Judge