North Shore judge candidate questions

Talk about it

Earlier this month, the News-Chronicle sent out a questionnaire to the eight primary candidates for the District 6 Judge, Court 11 position now held by retiring Judge Kenneth Sandvik. The court is based in Two Harbors and covers Lake and Cook counties. Because there are more than two candidates, there will be a primary vote Aug. 10 to determine two finalists for the November ballot. Below are the questions we asked and on this page are their responses. Each candidate acknowledged receipt of the questions. Candidates Mike Cuzzo and John Ross did not return their responses.

1 Please tell us any personal background info you wish, be it age, family, years in area, education.

2 What inspired you to run for this office?

3 Who has been an inspiration to you in your career?

4 Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you dealt with it.

5 How do you deal with difficult people and situations, including peers, attorneys, clients or litigants?

6 Are there some high-profile cases you’ve handled in the past that may give voters an idea how you may rule on the district bench?

7 What do you consider the greatest accomplishment in your career?

8 To what extent have you practiced in criminal law? Family law? Complex civil litigation?

9 What do you think of the common plaint today that judges legislate from the bench? What is your idea of the rule of law? Do you hold a general judicial philosophy?

10 What criteria would you use for deciding whether to advocate sentences outside of standard ranges?

11 What factors are considered in granting and setting bail amounts for defendants? What do you think is the primary consideration?

12 What do you perceive as some of the obstacles in the judicial process? How would you work around the budget constraints that Minnesota districts face?

13 Aside from budget, is there room for improvement in the system? What are the specific challenges today?

14 Would you fight to keep the courthouse/chamber in Two Harbors?

15 Are judges obligated to foster public understanding of the courts system? If so, how would you go about doing that?

16 If elected, you face many miles in a car shuffling between Grand Marais and Two Harbors. What would you listen to along the way?

17 What’s your favorite feature about Lake County?

18 Tell us something about yourself that few people know. Hobbies, interests.

Tags: two harbors, judge election, election 2010, news