Novak running for reelection, Gill running for district attorney

State Rep. Todd Novak (R–Dodgeville) announced he is running for reelection in the 51st Assembly District.

Novak, who also is Dodgeville’s mayor, was first elected in 2014.

“Many of the issues facing families in southwest Wisconsin know no boundaries when it comes to Democrats or Republicans,” noted Novak. “That’s probably one of the things I’m most proud of in my first term in the Legislature – being able to put aside ideologies and simply working to do the best job for my constituents.”

Novak’s first term includes passage of laws to help fund drug enforcement programs in Lafayette County, and reduce the response times for ambulance services for communities located near the state line. Novak also worked tirelessly to prevent programs like SeniorCare and the state’s conservation fund from being subjected to cuts.

“Much of my work in Madison has been inspired by the countless meetings, phone calls and visits I’ve had with neighbors, small business owners and local leaders on a variety of issues,” said Novak. “I’m confident that in the session ahead, we can accomplish a great deal more by focusing on the issues that bring people together and impact our communities the most.”

• Darlington attorney Jenna Gill announced she is running for the Republican nomination for Lafayette County district attorney.

Gill is an attorney at Russell Law Offices, S.C. in Darlington, where she works in general practice including serving as Lafayette County’s Corporation Counsel.

“My goal in attending law school was and will always be to serve the people of Lafayette County,” said Gill. “I believe that I am the right person to protect the public and community as district attorney.”

Katherine Findley, a Democrat, was elected district attorney in 2014.

• Gov. Scott Walker appointed Margaret Koehler, who was elected as Iowa County circuit judge, to the position before her term is to begin in August.

Koehler, who was elected to replace the late Iowa County Circuit Judge William Dyke, will take over July 1. Dyke died in March, and the vacant position has been filled by reserve judges since then.

Koehler’s father, Iowa County Circuit Judge James Fiedler, served before Dyke on the Iowa County bench.