Ferg announces candidacy for judge's position

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By The Chippewa Herald
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 2:02 PM CST

Chippewa Falls attorney Robert Ferg is working to build upon the base of support he found earlier this year when running for the Chippewa County Circuit Court Branch 3 judge position. He has announced his candidacy for the Branch 2 position being vacated by the retirement of Judge Thomas Sazama.

“Even though my candidacy for the newly created Branch 3 was not successful, it has left me with the resolve to vigorously pursue this judicial vacancy. I believe that my my qualifications, experience and vision for the position are second to none.”

Ferg has lived in Chippewa Falls for 20 years. The Marquette University Law School graduate has extensive experience in criminal defense and civil litigation, including broad experience as a trial attorney.

Ferg, 55, is the current Chippewa Falls city attorney, handling municipal court prosecution work, and has served as a county court commissioner since 1988.

He was one of the part-time county corporation counsels for a couple of years until the position became full-time and since 1998 has serves as a small claims court commissioner and an assistant family court commissioner.

“I have been a trial attorney for almost 32 years. My jury trial work has included several homicides, with one just last August, wrongful death, products liability, personal injury, real estate, drunken driving, negligence, mental commitments, theft, fraud, contracts, termination of parental rights, children in need of protection and services, drug offenses, burglary, bank robbery, and a host of other matters. I have prosecuted. I have defended,” Ferg said.

“I have also presented and argued many cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Federal 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. I have seven precedent-setting opinions,” Ferg continued.

Ferg has made personal appearances in 39 of the state’s 72 counties and appeared before over 100 judges.

Ferg finished third in last February’s primary election. Judge Steve Cray ultimately won the Branch 3 seat.

Ferg said he is a strong advocate of judicial independence, but also of judicial accountability.

“Decisions need to be based on determinations of the evidence and the law, not on public opinion polls, personal whim, prejudice, fear, lobbyists or outside influences,” Ferg said.