LETTER: Voiland is weak link in chain of justice, should resign now

To Ozaukee Press:
    In last week’s Ozaukee Press, a news story appeared with the headline, “Officials hope audit is last of probes sparked by Voiland.”
    The article reported that the audit was conducted by former Dane County Circuit Judge Patrick Fiedler to further investigate accusations filed by Ozaukee County Circuit Judge Joseph Voiland.
    The audit found there was no basis to believe that anyone in the Justice Center violated any state statutes regarding misconduct in office as Voiland had alleged.
    Clerk of Courts Mary Lou Mueller, Judge Paul Malloy and Court Commissioner Barry Boline all were exonerated by this audit. The audit followed a criminal probe starting in May 2016 when Voiland filled complaints against the three officials.
    It is apparent that Voiland is the problem in our court system. Over the years as a police officer, Ozaukee County supervisor and jury commissioner, I have personally known many Ozaukee County judges, including Judges Meister, Larson, Grady, Swietlik, McCormick, Wolfgram and our current judges, Malloy and Williams. Although I might not have agreed with them on every matter, one thing stands out—they were all honorable men and women steadfastly upholding the rule of law and serving the citizens of Ozaukee County with honor and dignity. It is apparent that Voiland doesn’t have these traits.
    I always use the phrase “the chain of justice” when describing how good or bad justice is served in any county or state. The chain is strongest when all links are strong in the rule of law. It is apparent that we now have a weak link in our chain of justice in the Ozaukee County court system—Voiland.  
    I have a solution to this weak link: Voiland should resign his position as judge in Ozaukee County and not wait until the citizens have to vote him out of office.
    Voiland has been a menace and not a team player ever since he entered our court system. Never in my 50 years of observing our Ozaukee County court system have I seen such incompetence in a judge. He should resign immediately.
Roy Wetzel
Thiensville