Patricia M. Sifferle

Born: August 21, 1965, St. Paul, MN

Education:

• B.A. in Chemistry from Carleton College, 1988;
• J.D. from the University of Minnesota, 1992;
• Courses in International and Comparative Law from the University of Olso, Norway, 1990

Employment:

• Judicial Law Clerk; associate attorney;
• attorney in private practice;
• Analyst with the Department of Health;
• State Human Rights Enforcement Officer

Bar admission: Minnesota, October 1992

Civic Activities: Long-time volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Minneapolis

Personal: Son Brendan, 7; Daughter Ana, 4

Hobbies: gardening, golf, travel, book club

Email Address: psifferle@earthlink.net

Candidacy Questions:

1. Why do you want to be a judge?
I have always done my best work as a neutral; I know I can do an excellent job in the faithful and impartial performance of the duties of the office.

2. Why should voters select you rather than your opponent in the upcoming election?
I am committed to serving; I am courteous, thorough and fair; I would bring new energy and fresh perspective to the bench.

3. What experience have you had in dealing with the court on which you wish to sit?
As an attorney since 1992, I have handled many cases in the district courts of Minnesota, in many areas of law, including employment, criminal, personal injury, business, fraud, trade secret, malpractice, and others.

4. What are the major issues facing the court on which you wish to serve? How can these realistically be addressed?
See below.

5. Do you believe it is good policy to discuss disputed legal and political issues during a judicial campaign? If so, what issues do you plan to discuss and why. If not, why shouldn't such issues be discussed?
Generally, no. I believe such discussion can be a disservice to voters, in that they may get the impression the candidate will attempt to further a certain political agenda from the bench, which of course, is unacceptable conduct for a judge.

6. What else, if anything, would you like the voters to know about your candidacy that you have not discussed so far?