9th Judicial District, Seat 7: Melbye v. Sweeney

John G. Melbye

JOHN G. MELBYE

Date of Birth: Sept. 12, 1956

Education: Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 1995; University of Minnesota, B.A., 1991

Employment: Minnesota Ninth Judicial District, judge, 2007-present; Law clerk, 1995-1996 and 2002-2006

Professional Associations: Minnesota District Judges Association, Beltrami County Bar Association

Community Activities: Animal Rescue

Interests: Golf, reading, home repair, computers, travel

Family: Wife, Cindy

Website: reelectjudgemelbye.com

Why did you opt to become a judge?

Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for law and justice. Fairness and even-handed treatment for everyone mattered greatly to me. This passion fueled my decision to attend law school and pursue the legal profession. After working in the judiciary for five years, I found that the judiciary was the perfect fit for me. The position of judge allows me to listen, give encouragement, and foster hope for those who may be at a low point in their lives. I have served the 9th Judicial District for over 10 years, including the last five and one-half years as a District Court Judge chambered in Beltrami County.

What is the most important personal quality in a judge?

Humility.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?

I already have over 10 years working in the judiciary and five and one-half years on the bench as a successful judge. During my first term, I have consistently demonstrated that I have the professional skills and personal qualities, including the demeanor, communication skills, and work ethic that the job demands. In my first term I have worked in eight counties and have met with countless individuals working within the court system and I have received an extremely positive, enthusiastic response to my service as judge.

What have been some of your accomplishments during your time on the bench?

I initiated, organized and completed a warrant cleanup for the county I am chambered in, successfully resolving nearly 2,000 outstanding warrants dating back over 27 years. Issuing warrants is a very important part of being a judge. But monitoring the warrants after they have been issued is even more important.

I have been working with interested groups to establish a Domestic Violence Court for Beltrami County. We have received our grant and will begin in October.

I am a member of the Court Operations Advisory Workgroup. The group is made up of one judge and court administrator from each district.

Other than financial resources, what are the major issues facing the court on which you sit or wish to sit?

In the court system we see underlying chemical dependency continually playing a role in so many types of cases: criminal cases (including those involving public safety), family law cases and even juvenile matters.

How can those issues be realistically addressed?

The courts have identified and implemented some good strategies to help address it. Among the strategies is the establishment of problem solving courts. There are several such courts established in Minnesota for DUI, Drugs, Domestic Abuse, and Veterans. These courts are not a cure-all, but they have had measurable success-improving the lives of the participants, who have been shown less likely to reoffend. Additionally, public safety is improved and tax dollars are saved.

As a judge, I am supportive of these problem solving courts and our grant has just been approved. We will start the formation of the Domestic Violence Court in October of this year.

What can the court do to address its funding deficit?

The court system is doing an admirable job addressing this issue through a variety of measures including cost containment and improved efficiency. The courts are working to contain costs through consolidation, with many court administrators now overseeing work in several courthouses.

One of the most current cost-saving efforts is the eCourtMN initiative, which has the court transitioning from paper to electronic court information. This project will benefit everyone and will result in a considerable increase in productivity and reduce operational costs.

Do you have any suggestions/ideas about the day to day operation of the court?

As a judge I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and better serve the public. I think most of us working in the system are that way. When I travel to serve in a different courthouse in the district, I am always observing how things are done, and if I see something that I think works well, I bring that information back to my home courthouse.

I am a member of the Court Operations Advisory Workgroup. Judges, staff and others submit requests to our group regarding things like court business practice, case processing and court programs. We review these requests and make recommendations to the State Court Administrator regarding statewide implementation of a new policy or procedure or other resolutions as appropriate.

What should the court do to promote public trust and confidence in the judiciary?

Trust and confidence is gained through fair treatment, impartial decisions, and accountability. The judicial branch has established a series of performance goals that relate to these and other core principles, and there is continual review and measuring our progress in meeting these goals.

As judge, I specifically strive to be professional in my work and dealings with the public and those working in the system. I think that is especially important because the judge really sets the tone for what happens in the courtroom and what happens in the courthouse.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the 9th Judicial District. During this campaign I have traveled to all 17 counties in the district, and I have greatly enjoyed meeting with the citizens. The support of the public and of those who work in the court system is humbling, and reinforces my desire and commitment to continue to serve and give my very best as judge.

Diana Sweeney

DIANA SWEENEY

Date of Birth: March 28, 1959

Education: Quinnipiac University School of Law, J.D., 1988; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.A., 1984, Sociology, Pre-law

Employment: Ninth Judicial District Public Defender, (Beltrami County, Bemidji, Minn.) 1996-present: Bemidji State University, Adjunct Professor, (Criminal Justice Dept.), 1998-2001; Shermoen, LeDuc, and Jaksa law firm, 1990-1996; LawTemps (permanent assignment to Dorsey &Whitney), 1988-1990

Professional Associations: Beltrami County Bar Association, Public Defender’s DNA Working Group

Community Activities: Bemidji Youth Soccer Board member, Bemidji Proud Committee for School Funding, Bemidji Community Art Center member; Past activities: Music Booster, Boy Scouts, Cross Country Ski Club, PTO, Friends Against Abuse

Interests: Camping, hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, quilting

Family: Married with three adult children

Website: dianasweeneyforjudge.com

Why do you want to become a judge?

I love working in the courtroom and I want a new professional challenge. Qualified candidates need to seek out the position to insure that we continue to have qualified judges in our courtrooms. I work in the courtroom almost daily, I have handled a wide variety of cases, and I am accomplished at motion and trial practice. I will add to the quality of the bench in Beltrami County.

What is the most important personal quality in a judge?

Good communication skills and clarity.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?

I will do a better job because I have much more legal experience and skill and I have a much stronger work ethic than my opponent. I have actively practiced law for 22 years, representing clients and presenting cases in court. My opponent has not. I will work hard to insure that my rulings are fair and accurately apply the law. I was selected as a finalist by the judicial selection process in 2009 which is an objective confirmation of my qualifications for this position.

What experience have you had in dealing with the court on which you wish to sit?

I have had an active courtroom practice for 22 years in the 9th Judicial District, 16 years of which have been in Beltrami County. I represent many clients each week in court and regularly resolve cases, argue motions, and bring cases to trial. I am very familiar with the court and the community where I am seeking a judicial seat.

Other than financial resources, what are the major issues facing the court on which you sit or wish to sit?

Electronic record keeping and e-filing are big changes Minnesota courts are implementing over the next few years. The challenge will be to assist the public users of the court through this transition time.

How can those issues be realistically addressed?

An information campaign through user guides and a public terminal linked to e-court information can help inform the public.

What can the court do to address its funding deficit?

Operate as efficiently as possible, without compromising its service to the public. That is a big challenge. I think the court is doing all it can at this time to meet that challenge with the resources it has available.

Do you have any suggestions/ideas about the day to day operation of the court?

The Beltrami County court has had periodic review of its calendaring schedule and made changes to accommodate the demand of case load type and numbers. Communication between all the arms of the court is vital to an efficient court and has continued to improve.

What should the court do to promote public trust and confidence in the judiciary?

The courts do not do much to engage the public in the work of the court outside its contact with parties in legal cases. Therefore, the experience of individual litigants is very important. They need to feel that they were heard and understand why they did or did not prevail. The court has to use plain language and be accessible to the public.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?

I did not take up the challenge of running against an incumbent lightly. I see a need for more experience and qualifications on the bench. A good judge has a good working knowledge of the law and rules of court, gives both parties a fair hearing and then delivers a clear ruling and the basis for the decision. I have the qualifications, experience and work ethic that the position of district court judge demands and that the public deserves.