Concern for children paramount for Persick

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Among the reasons that Rebecca Persick went into law, a prominent one was concern for children.

No wonder then that one of the cases that affected her most arose when she worked on a custody dispute between parents living in different states.

As Sheboygan County court commissioner, Persick often sees people when they are not at their best – whether they are a juvenile making an initial appearance in court, or the parties in a paternity hearing or a stipulated divorce.

When working with the parents who lived in different states, Persick said she had to consider how much time the young children would need to spend with each parent in order to maintain good relationships all around. Persick said children can have a hard time moving from one home to another.

Fortunately, she said, video-chat technology has given parents a new means of staying in touch with their children and smoothing out transitions among households.

According to her campaign website, “it is the job of a judge to facilitate the resolution of conflicts in an even-tempered, fair and informed way.”

After serving 11 years as court commissioner, Persick is seeking the position of Sheboygan County Circuit Court judge for branch four.

When handling legal cases involving families, Persick tries “to build consensus wherever possible.”

“I do look at it as an opportunity to help people,” she said, adding that most people who come before her are at some sort of turning point in their lives.

Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge Angela Sutkiewicz has known Persick since the early 1990s and has learned she does not shy away from helping others.

“She is such a team player. She is always willing to do things,” Sutkiewicz said.

Sutkiewicz said Persick sets a good example both for her peers and those who come into her courtroom. Also among her many attributes, Sutkiewicz said, is a refusal to treat any situation as if it were routine, rather than unique.

“I really think people feel she listens to both sides, she is not quick to come to a conclusion,” Sutkiewicz said. “She is really thoughtful.”