John R. McBride

Born: December 23, 1952, St. Louis, Mo.

Education:

• 1987, Advanced Trial Advocacy, University of Houston
• 1979, Trial Advocacy, University of Nebraska
• 1977, J.D., Hamline University School of Law
• 1975, B.S. Psychology, University of Missouri, St. Louis

Employment:

• 2003-present: District Court Judge, Tenth Judicial District, Chambered in Chisago County, Minnesota;
• 1991-2003 Vice President, Senior Shareholder and Member of the Board of Directors, Lommen, Nelson, Cole and Stageberg, P.A.;
• 1989-1991 Senior Shareholder, Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon and Vogt, P.A.;
• 1982-1989 President, Donlin, McBride and Goetteman, P.A.;
• 1980-1982 Staff Attorney, St. Paul Fire and Marine;
• 1978-1980 Associate Attorney, Geimer and Rice, P.A.

Bar admission: Minn. 1978, U S District 1978, US Cir Ct of App 1985, US Supreme Ct. 1985, Wisc. 1999

Appointed/Elected: I was selected by the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection in December of 2002, appointed by Governor Jesse Ventura and sworn in on January 31, 2003

Bar Activities: Minnesota Bar Association, Wisconsin Bar Association, American Bar Association, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute

Civic Activities: Lead Judge for the Chisago County Children's Justice Initiative; Member of the Chisago County Juvenile Drug Court Team; Past Co-Budget Director of Operation Classroom; Leader and member of numerous work teams to Africa, Jamaica and Haiti; Frequent volunteer at the local level for Habitat for Humanity, Brush with Kindness, Grocery Give Away and Wesley Meals; Past Chair of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Spaces Commission; Past Member of the Governor's Sub-Cabinet on Metropolitan Affairs; Director of the Church Leadership Council of Woodbury United Methodist Church

Personal: My wife Lori and I live in Wyoming Township, Chisago County and have five children. Lori currently serves as Director of New Membership Formation and OUtreach Ministries at Woodbury United Methodist Church. Our oldest daughter, Lindy (age 23) lives and works in West Africa as a volunteer in the Peace Corps. Matthew, who is 21, lives and works in Woodbury. Tricia, who is 19 is attending St. Paul College, where she is continuing her studies in American Sign Language. Michael age 15 and Jonathan, age 14, will be attending Stillwater Area High School and Chisago Lakes High School respectively.
Hobbies: My family and I love to sail and travel. I also enjoy woodworking and building around our home.

Other: Who's Who in American Law, 1996; Leading American Lawyer, 1999; Strathmore's Who's Who, 2000; National Registry of Who's Who, 2000; Super Lawyer, Law and Politics, 2000; Hamline University School of Law, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2000; Featured in articles printed in the "Stillwater Gazette" and "Law and Politics" for service to the community

Campaign Website: www.judgejohnmcbride.com

2. Why should voters select you rather than your opponent(s) in the upcoming election?
The choice is one of experience and qualifications. In December 2002 I applied for a vacancy in Chisago County and was honored to be selected by the Commission on Judicial Selection and the Governor. That selection was in recognition of my:

• Advanced training in Trial Advocacy
• Certification as a Civil Trial Specialist
• Training in Civil Mediation
• 24 years of civil trial experience
• Leadership roles as Shareholder, Member of the Board, Vice President and President of respected firms
• Integrity, high moral character and honesty
• Passion for community service and social justice.

3. What are the major issues facing the court on which you wish to serve? How can these realistically be addressed?
The most critical issue facing the trial bench today is the lack of resources to intervene in an effective way. This issue is highlighted by the recent crisis in our public defender system. However, this concern goes far beyond the constitutional right to effective counsel. We are lacking resources in family court to properly assess issues of custody and parenting time. We lack resources in juvenile court to effectively intervene when issues of truancy and delinquency arise. And we lack resources to effectively and efficiently administer the criminal justice system. I believe it is the responsibility of the judiciary to make certain that the needs of our third branch of government are known and met.

4. What are some of your accomplishments during your tenure as a judge of which you are most proud?
First, I am proud of the tone and atmosphere I have set in my courtroom. I have worked hard to set a tone of respect and fairness and I'm confident that the hard work is paying off. In addition I was pleased to have been selected by the Supreme Court to serve as Lead Judge for the Chisago County Childrens Justice Initiative. This leadership role in conjunction with my work as a member of the Chisago County Juvenile Drug Court Team insures that I will play a major role in responding to the needs of the children and families of my community.

5. Do you believe it is good policy to discuss disputed legal and political issues during judicial campaigns? If so, what issues do you plan to discuss and why? If not, why shouldn't such issues be discussed?
While judges and those seeking judicial office are now free to speak out on political issues I do not believe that it is appropriate to do so. For a judge to reach a reasoned decision he or she must listen to all the facts, thoroughly research the law and follow the law and constitution, regardless of personal beliefs. To state in advance a position on issues that may come before you as a judge, without the benefit of this basic legal analysis, I feel would be short-sighted and not in keeping with the duties of my oath. In addition, should a judge or candidate for a judgeship, announce his or her position on issues in advance, basic tenets of ethical conduct would demand that the judge be removed from any consideration of that issue in the future. In order to maintain independence from political pressure and to make certain that decisions are well reasoned and fair, a judge must refrain from becoming engaged or embroiled in political debate. Since I know that I am fully capable of setting aside my personal beliefs and can follow the law when making decisions, my personal beliefs and politics are not important. What is important is my commitment to adhere to my oath as a judge: To uphold the laws and Constitution of this State.

6. What else, if anything, would you like voters to know about your candidacy that you have not discussed so far?
A close friend of mine once told me, "You know you have the right job, when you would do it even if you did not get paid." While I'm pleased that the State pays me to be a judge since I still have three children to get through college, I can honestly say that I would do my work even if I did not get paid. I love my work as a District Court Judge and feel that I am where I should be. I hope that the good citizens of the Tenth Judicial District allow me to serve them for another six years.