Anthony J. Moosbrugger

Born: July 25, 1975; Burnsville, Minn.

Education:

• William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2002
• St. Cloud State University, B.A., 1997

• Burville Law Office, attorney, 2007-present
• Ziebell Law Office, attorney, 2003-07

• Dakota County Bar Association
• Dodge County Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association

• Dodge County Sheriff’s Posse
• Faith in Action
• Rotary Club of Farmington
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

Hobbies/Interests: Mountain biking, restoring automobiles, riding motorcycles, running

Family: Wife, Jill

Why do you want to be a judge?
Judges are public servants and possibly have the most important public service responsibility in our country. As such, judges have an incredible opportunity to help people, many more people than I would ever be able to help as a lawyer. I believe that I’m a public servant at heart, and being a judge would give me the opportunity to fulfill my mission of helping others, but also bring an optimistic reputation to our judicial system.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?
Selecting me rather than the incumbent judge will first and foremost put the decision in the hands of the people. If re-elected, my opponent will be forced to retire during his next term. If that happens, his replacement will be appointed by the then-sitting governor without participation from the voting public. I also feel that a change is needed. Although I have practiced before my opponent and respect his wisdom, sitting on the bench for 32 years is too long. After such a long time in one position, it is only natural for a person to become less effective. I will bring a new perspective to the court and a great deal of energy that is lacking. I am a great listener and will make sure everyone is given their opportunity to be heard. I will work toward an aggressive process for case management that will result in less time and money spent in the courtroom.

What experience do you have with the court on which you wish to sit?
I have experience practicing in multiple areas of the law. I have handled criminal defense cases, I practiced as a city prosecutor, I have handled a variety of family law matters, including dissolutions, child support, custody, contested adoptions, grandparents’ rights, harassment restraining orders, property divisions and guardianships. I have also handled a variety of general civil litigation cases ranging from landlord/tenant disputes to mechanics liens to contract disputes.

What are the major issues facing this court?
The cost of litigation makes it impossible for some to have their day in court. The current budget cuts further that problem as resources are becoming even more limited.

How can these issues realistically be addressed?
To help remedy this problem I will, as stated previously, concentrate on case management so that files do not unnecessarily stall, increasing both fees for litigants, but also extra expenses for the courts. Additionally, I will promote creative ways for litigants to resolve their issues short of trial.

What role, if any, should politics play in judicial campaigns? (for example, party endorsements, discussions of political views, etc...)
Politics should not play a role in judicial elections. To some extent, this is unfortunate because the public has demonstrated frustrations in not knowing enough about their judicial candidates to make an educated decision on whom to vote for. Being endorsed by a political party or discussing one’s political views may help the public to decide who they will vote for, but the political views of a judicial candidate really have little to do with their competence to be a judge. Additionally, judges must act as neutrals and impartially apply the law. If judges are to discuss their legal and political views on issues, I believe their ability to be impartial would be compromised, if not in fact, the public could interpret an inability to be impartial.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?
As stated earlier, I enjoy serving others. My pro bono work for Southern Minnesota Legal Services earned me the 2007 3rd Judicial District Minnesota State Bar Association Pro Bono Award. I have volunteered for Faith in Action for the last five years. I volunteer on the Dodge County Sheriff’s Posse. I am a member of Rotary and actively participate in service projects that support the community. All the experiences I have had volunteering for these various organizations has given me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of different people and learn valuable skills in patience, listening and understanding, all important qualities for a judge.