Michael R. Savre

Born: Feb. 28, 1955; El Paso, Texas

Education:

• J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, 1981
• B.A., Luther College, 1977

• 1st Judicial District, judge, 2004-present
• Gavin, Olson, Savre & Winters, partner, 1981-2004
• Norwood Young America, city attorney, 1982-2004

• District 8 Bar Association
• McLeod County Bar Association
• Minnnesota District Judges Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association

• Member of the Glencoe Regional Health Services' ethics committee
• Board member of McLeod County Parents Anonymous
• Member of the Glencoe-Silver Lake Public Schools' Early Childhood Family Education advisory committee
• Official for the Minnesota State High School League
• Jaycees youth football and basketball coach

Personal: Wife, Janet; two children

Why did you originally apply (or run) for a position as a judge?
A local judge passed away unexpectedly in late 2003. Until then, I had never sought a judgeship. However, with my legal knowledge, the experience gained from 23 years of daily court appearances, my reputation among my peers and my civic ties, I concluded that I had something more to offer the local community than continuing on with my law practice. It was not easy to leave the law firm where I spent my entire legal career, but each day now provides an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people rather than just a few.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent in the upcoming election?
I've been a judge for over two years. I don't recall seeing my opponent in the courtroom more than once the past two years. Before I became a judge, I was in the courtroom almost every day, but I rarely saw my opponent. Simply put, he does not have my courtroom knowledge or experience. I also find troublesome my opponent's decision to seek the endorsement of a political party. He has labeled himself a revolutionary who wants to change "business as usual" in our judicial system. I don't believe Minnesotans feel our judicial system needs an overhaul.

What are the major issues facing the court on which you serve?
Our justice system has to keep fighting the battle against drugs, especially the newest scourge -- methamphetamine. I'd like to see a reduction in the acrimony and emotional scars that divorce and family law cases produce. Children should not have to endure months or even years of uncertainty wondering whether they will end up living with mom or dad. Domestic violence is another pet peeve of mine. Domestic violence is pervasive in many homes and often goes undetected or, worse, friends and family see the signs but look the other way.

How can these realistically be addressed?
Whatever it takes, we need to get the word out to our youth that meth and other drugs destroy lives. We should be creative when sentencing those who are addicted to drugs to provide them with an incentive to come clean once and for all. But we need to crack down on the suppliers and sellers who are profiting from the destruction of their clients' lives. We need to use ADR and explore early intervention in family law cases in the hope that parents will put their children's needs first. We need to educate the public regarding the signs and heartbreak of domestic violence.

What are some of your accomplishments during your tenure as a judge of which you are most proud?
I was recently appointed to serve on our judicial district's Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee. Locally, I've been actively involved in streamlining the preparation of orders in McLeod County criminal cases and child protection matters. I've actively assisted our local legal community with improving and expediting our child protection cases. Overall, I'm most proud of the reputation I've acquired as a hardworking, fair-minded jurist who treats those who appear in my courtroom with respect while simultaneously taking care of the business of the court.

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?
I firmly believe judges should not become politicians. I'll campaign on my experience as a judge, my legal knowledge, and my reputation. But I don't believe my personal views should be in play. If judicial races in Minnesota turn into "big-buck, bare-knuckled, wedge-issue" affairs, I am worried that many of our best-trained and most qualified lawyers will sidestep the opportunity to serve as a judge because they won't be willing to engage in, or subject themselves to, the realities of hard-nosed politics.

Recent court decisions allow judicial candidates to seek and use endorsements from political parties. To what extent, if any, should partisan politics play a part in judicial campaigns in Minnesota?
An independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable in our constitutional democracy. A judicial election should be about each candidate's qualifications and nothing more. Political parties and special interest groups expect something in return when they endorse and support a candidate for public office. If we begin electing judges who are beholden to a certain party or special interest groups, our judiciary's well-deserved reputation for impartiality and integrity will be undermined. The public's confidence in our justice system will be diminished.

What else, if anything, would you like the voters to know about your candidacy that you have not discussed so far?
Nineteen lawyers applied for the judicial seat I hold. The nonpartisan Commission on Judicial Selection interviewed 11 candidates and recommended four finalists to the governor. I was subjected to a thorough background check before being interviewed by Gov. Pawlenty. After a three-month selection process, I was appointed by the governor on April 27, 2004. Last month, the governor wrote, "I'm proud to say that in the two years since his appointment, Judge Savre has proven to be an excellent jurist. He is a man of principle and justice." It is comments like those that have inspired me to seek election this November for six more years as a judge in the 1st Judicial District.