..:: Michael S. Bergerson for Judge ::..

The widespread support is overwhelming. Our message has been positive. This Court needs a strong leader to restore its reputation in the community. Tuesday's Primary was a loud and clear call - La Porte wants its voices heard and votes counted when it comes to the selection of judicial candidates.

We now have a great opportunity, but we cannot take anything for granted. I am looking forward to the fall campaign. The hard work is just beginning and I will need everyone's continued support. Please sign up here to volunteer and receive e-mail updates.

Thank you for your vote. I am both humbled and honored at the trust and confidence that you have placed in me. I believe public service is a calling and I am ready to answer your call.

Michael Bergerson, Democratic Nominee for Superior Court Number 1

Pursuit of Democratic Nomination for La Porte Superior Court No. 1 Made Official

Michigan City – Yesterday, Michigan City attorney Michael Bergerson filed the “Declaration of Candidacy for Primary Nomination” form with the Indiana Election Commission. Submitted on January 23, 2008, this filing made official Bergerson’s pursuit of the Democratic Nomination for La Porte Superior Court No. 1.

On December 14, 2007, Bergerson kicked off his campaign among family and friends with the creation of his campaign committee. Bergerson highlighted his experience as a litigator in both the criminal and civil courts in the county, saying, “As Deputy Prosecutor, I’ve won countless cases in Superior Court 1.” Bergerson said, “I’ll be ready for the job on Day One.”

Since his December announcement, Bergerson has unveiled his interactive campaign website, located on the Internet, at www.bergy08.com. Bergerson’s website allows citizens of La Porte County to share their thoughts, endorse the candidate, learn more about Bergerson’s career serving the La Porte community, and sign up for campaign updates and volunteer opportunities.

On the campaign trail over the last month, Bergerson has been encouraged by the enthusiasm for his candidacy from countless residents and many community groups. “I’ve heard from many about a desire for change in the direction of La Porte’s judicial system, particularly in Superior Court No. 1. As judge, I will make the right changes for all people in La Porte County,” Bergerson said. Bergerson has identified three priorities that he would immediately address as judge: improving access to the courtroom, increasing the efficiency of important court programs, and implementing more effective administration and diversity in the judicial system.

Bergerson has also pointed to the depth and diversity of his campaign’s Advisory Committee as evidence of his leadership style and ability to bring positive change to the court. “My long standing relationships throughout the county give me the unique ability to lead a court that hears all voices, including those underrepresented by the judicial system in La Porte County. A Superior Court judge must be aware of these perspectives to operate effectively.”

For questions or more extensive information on Michael Bergerson and his campaign for Superior Court No. 1, please contact the campaign at 219-331-1654, mbergerson@cablespeed.com, or via his website, on the Internet, at www.bergy08.com.

Michigan City – Today, among family and friends, Michigan City attorney Michael Bergerson announced his candidacy for judge in LaPorte County Superior Court No. 1. Highlighting his trial experience in both the criminal and civil courts in the county, Bergerson noted his readiness for the job. “As Deputy Prosecutor, I’ve won countless cases in Superior Court 1,” Bergerson said. “I’ll be ready for the job on day one.”

“My lifelong residence and thirty years of service as a legal advocate in LaPorte County give me the experience, local perspective, and sense of fairness needed for this position,” Bergerson continued.

Bergerson expressed gratitude to a diverse cross-section of community leaders throughout the county, including the Honorable Walter Chapala (Former Judge, Superior Court No. 1), for their endorsements of his candidacy. “Judge Chapala’s support is a great honor. I intend to restore Judge Chapala’s example of hard work and dedicated leadership in the courtroom and in our community.”

Bergerson’s candidacy for judge will emphasize his vision for strengthening the Court. His first priority will be to improve access to the courtroom by eliminating the trial calendar backlog. Second, Bergerson will work to increase the efficiency of important court programs. For instance, the Court could defray taxpayer costs, Bergerson said, “by requiring that defendants who seek work-release make their income tax refunds available as a way to reimburse the county for their pauper counsel fees.” Third, Bergerson will focus on more effective administration and workplace diversity in the judicial system.

Bergerson’s legal career has spanned four decades, during which he has prosecuted criminals and assisted families and businesses. Beginning in 1982, Bergerson has spent 20 years prosecuting felons in the county’s Superior and Circuit courts. He has built an impressive trial record in Superior Court No. 1, where he has worked since 1999.

Since 1978, Bergerson has maintained a civil law practice, focused on business law, personal injury, bankruptcy, wills and estates, property law, and domestic relations, among others. His litigation experience extends to jurisdictions beyond LaPorte, including Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Texas, Oregon, and Tennessee.

Bergerson has been a key participant in numerous local government initiatives, including the Redevelopment Commission of Michigan City, the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Sanitary District of Michigan City. Bergerson was a partner with the Law Firm of Kenefick, Gilmore, and Bergerson from 1978 to 1993, and has managed the Law Offices of Michael Bergerson and Associates from 1993 through 2007.

Bergerson’s career reflects a devotion to serving the community in which he was born and raised. He has contributed pro bono services to county organizations such as Catholic Family Services, Young Peoples’ Little Theatre, and Little Lighthouse Landing. He has also been active with a number of area schools, including those attended by his five children: Notre Dame Grade School, Saint Mary’s Grade School, and Marquette High School. Bergerson himself is a graduate of Notre Dame Grade School and Marquette High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at John Carroll University and his Juris Doctor at Northern Illinois University.

The announcement by Bergerson included the establishment of his Advisory Committee, illustrating widespread, bi-partisan support for his campaign. “The early groundswell of support from the well-respected leaders on my Advisory Committee has helped me lay the foundation for this announcement today. I will work hard for backing throughout LaPorte County, and my bi-partisan Committee’s county-wide reach will be vital to my success.” The Advisory Committee list is attached.

For news, updates, and more extensive information on Michael Bergerson and his campaign for judge, please visit his website, on the Internet, at www.bergy08.com.

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Thank You La Porte County

The widespread support is overwhelming. Our message has been positive. This Court needs a strong leader to restore its reputation in the community. Tuesday's Primary was a loud and clear call - La Porte wants its voices heard and votes counted when it comes to the selection of judicial candidates.

We now have a great opportunity, but we cannot take anything for granted. I am looking forward to the fall campaign. The hard work is just beginning and I will need everyone's continued support. Please sign up here to volunteer and receive e-mail updates.

Thank you for your vote. I am both humbled and honored at the trust and confidence that you have placed in me. I believe public service is a calling and I am ready to answer your call.