To the Editor-

We are writing this letter in support of David Knaapen for Portage County Circuit Judge. We have known David personally for over nine years.

David is a good friend, a caring family man, and is very involved within our community where he has lived since we have known him.

Our boys are members of the Boy Scouts of America and David was involved with Troop 297. He would teach different merit badges to the boys including law and golf. David was always open to working with the boys of our troop.

During this past summer, we had to make a hard decision. A good friend had past-away and his funeral services were the same day as Michelle’s C7 nerve block. Michelle needed an escort to Neneeha for the procedure. The Knaapen’s cleared their schedule so Mike could attend the funeral services of our good friend and his co-worker. They have gone above and beyond for us and many others in our community.

David is a man of reason. He listens to both sides of a discussion and provides sage advice to those involved with the discussion. We have seen this in his involvement with the troop, in his interactions with the boys, and as a member at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He has worked both for Portage County, and the State of Wisconsin as a prosecutor. He has handled, and continues to handle a wide ranging criminal case load including crimes against persons, criminal traffic, property and other “white collar” offenses, as well as homicides. As a citizen of Portage County, we have seen David’s work as Assistant District Attorney.

We believe that he has carried forth his duties in a very professional and competent manner. We believe him to be an asset to the office. His involvement with this organization provides a true and real service in transitioning individuals from the criminal justice system back into our community.

David is seeking the recently vacated Branch II Circuit Court Judgeship. With his nearly daily appearances in court, David is one of the most experienced litigators in Portage County. As a judge, David will be faithful to the law and make fair and impartial decisions in all cases. We are knowledgeable of David’s work with JusticeWorks. He would be a fair and impartial judge.  He will listen to all sides and will apply the law in rendering the decisions that he makes.

Thank you in advance for your help in launching David’s Branch II Circuit Court Judgeship and a Better Criminal Justice system for Portage County!

Mike and Michelle Daniels
Stevens Point