Howard Orenstein

Click here to see video of the candidate.

Born: Nov. 25, 1955; St. Louis

Education:

• Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., 1982
• Vanderbilt University, B.A., 1978

• Hennepin County Attorney's Office, assistant county attorney, 2004-present
• Minnesota House of Representatives, District 64B representative, 1987-96
• Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, attorney, 1984-2002
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, law clerk to Judge John F. Grady, 1983

• Edgcumbe Hockey Association
• Metropolitan State University Foundation Board of Trustees
• St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists Board of Directors
• St. Paul Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors

Hobbies/Interests: Film, hockey, long-distance swimming, music, Rollerblading, running, theater

Family: Wife, Barbara Frey; one daughter, two sons

Website: www.orensteinforjudge.com

Why do you want to be a judge?
I have a lifelong commitment to public service and the advancement of justice. I have seen that a good trial court judge can make a big difference in the lives of those who come into contact with the court system and a big difference in the community at large. The best judges handle their caseloads fairly and impartially, but also contribute to improving the administration of justice. I believe my background as a lawyer for 24 years, a legislator for 10 years and a community leader qualifies me to serve with distinction on our bench.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?
My diverse law practice has included some of the largest and most complex matters in the state's history, such as representing Minnesota taxpayers in our victory over the tobacco industry. I was also a legislator for 10 years, where I served on the [House] Judiciary Committee and developed a deep understanding of the broad range of laws that a trial court judge enforces. I also have very strong and lasting ties to the community (for example, I chair the St. Paul Public Schools Foundation board) that help me understand the needs of those who come into contact with the court system.

What experience do you have with the court on which you wish to sit?
I was a member of the team that represented Minnesota taxpayers in Ramsey County District Court in our victory over the tobacco industry, producing a more than $6 billion payout to the state. This case is recognized as the largest and one of the most complex cases in Minnesota history and was tried for almost five months before settling during closing arguments.

What are the major issues facing this court?
The trial courts have had to absorb budget cuts and adjust to funding shortfalls, as have the other branches of government. This has led to problems in the administration of justice, such as cutting juror fees in half and inadequately funding public defenders who are needed to assure fair trials. In urban areas such as Ramsey County, there are other pressing needs such as interpreters, victim advocates and diversion programs.

How can these issues realistically be addressed?
Like all branches of government, the court system must always strive to be more efficient and live within its resources. The court system must also make the most of technology improvements to deliver services better. However, even with those improvements, the court system needs more resources in order to deliver justice fairly and impartially, as expected by the public. Alone among the candidates for this office, I have long-standing relationships with officials in the political branches of government that will help me advocate for the resources and programs needed to improve the administration of justice.

What role, if any, should politics play in judicial campaigns? (for example, party endorsements, discussions of political views, etc...)
Judicial candidates should not seek or accept political party endorsements. Judicial candidates should also not make promises how they will rule on cases or take positions on matters of public controversy that might come before the bench. Judicial candidates should take care to let policy decisions be made by the political branches of government and should confine their role to advocating for improvements in the administration of justice. I have signed the Ramsey County Bar Association's affirmation pledging to follow these rules during my campaign.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?
I have been a lawyer involved in public service for 24 years. My long and demonstrated commitment to justice is recognized by my support from two past presidents of the Ramsey County and Minnesota State Bar associations, more than 100 lawyers who live in Ramsey County, former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer (my campaign chair) and endorsements by more than 45 elected and former elected officials in Ramsey County. These people - many of whom I have opposed on an issue or an election - know my record and speak to my ability to be a fair, independent and thoughtful judge.