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Criminal defense attorney announces bid for St. Croix County district attorney

HUDSON – A 13-year veteran public defender is running for the St. Croix County District Attorney’s position.  Donna Burger, 41, of Hudson, is running for the position on the Republican ticket.  A primary election will be held on August 9 and a general election on November 8.

Burger was raised in Hudson on a family farm owned by her parents, Cyril and Patricia Cernohous.  She is married to husband, Dan, has two children, four adult stepchildren and two grandchildren.  She believes her leadership is needed in St. Croix County.

Burger’s experience in the courtroom will be a huge benefit.  While in the public defender’s office, she has represented both adults and juveniles with thousands of cases including misdemeanor and felony charges. She also has participated in alternative courts and on criminal justice collaborating councils.

“The ability to work with others is an important and necessary skill for a district attorney to ensure that justice is served fairly and efficiently,” Burger said. “By being a good listener and communicator, I have created and maintained working relationships with many other professionals.”

As an experienced lawyer, she knows a district attorney must be tough on criminal behavior to protect the community yet balance that with an appropriate penalty.   Burger vows to use money, resources and time wisely and to be conscious of all uses of taxpayers’ money.  “These qualities are imperative for a district attorney in these days of shrinking budgets, growing caseloads from drug and alcohol addiction and mental health concerns,” she noted. “I enjoy seeking out new and innovative ways to do things.”

Burger will respect the law, justice, and fairness while preserving public safety, individual liberty and remain fiscally responsible.  She will increase public safety by creating awareness and searching out multiple strategies to deal with addiction and mental illness. She will meet with the community to discuss concerns and share information to help protect them and collaborate and work with police and other professionals to reduce crime, help families, and save money.

Burger earned her law degree from William Mitchell Law School in 2002. She also has a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UW-River Falls.

She has been handling cases in Dunn County, however due to agency policy, she is required to take an unpaid leave of absence from the office to run for election.

For more information on Burger visit her website at http://dcerny18.wix.com/burger4da or at Facebook.com/burgerfordistrictattorney