Question 1 - What inspired you to run for Sixth District Judge?
Question 2 - What has been the greatest accomplishment of your career?
Russ Conrow
Question 1
As county attorney, I know how important the office of judge is to this community. Most of the court's work involves adult criminal and juvenile matters that affect public safety. The other matters affect children, families, businesses, organizations and the local government. It is important to have the right person as judge to face the challenges of the future. I feel it is my responsibility and privilege as a member of this community to run for this office.
Question 2
Being elected Lake County Attorney. We had only been in the community for four years at the time I was elected. It is still an honor to carry the responsibility of the trust of this community. I am only willing to give it up because I think this judgeship is so important.
Timothy A. Costley
Question 1
I have wanted to be the judge for quite some time. Growing up with a dad who is an attorney, and becoming one myself, it's something you think about and aspire to. I would do a good job in being fair to all who appear before me. I have a lot of pride in our independence as a community and want to keep this job local.
Question 2
I am most proud of being able to practice with my Dad and make a living in our hometown.
Mike Cuzzo
Question 1
I'm frequently asked by attorneys to be a mediator and arbitrator - in effect, to serve as a judge to help resolve difficult issues. I would like to put this experience to work for citizens in the Sixth Judicial District.
The experience gained during 26 years of legal practice has prepared me to be an effective judge. I've been honored to earn the top rating for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale-Hubbell, the national lawyer rating service; to have been selected to "Best Lawyers in America"; and listed in Minnesota Monthly as one of "Minnesota's Most Respected Attorneys."
Question 2
I've worked for more than 1,000 people and organizations during my career, and I am proud to have helped people when they need it the most. Having represented many with injuries and disabilities, my greatest accomplishments have been when I have helped my clients get the assistance they need to recover from the physical, and oftentimes psychological, aspects of their injuries.
As someone who has represented people from all walks of life, I strive to be respectful of all people, not just those who can afford an attorney. That philosophy will continue as a Sixth District judge.
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Juhl Halvorson
Question 1
It would be a great honor and responsibility to serve the public as a District Court Judge. I believe that my education and legal career have provided many important experiences. Now I want to take what I have learned about dedication to my community and my profession and give back as a District Court Judge.
Question 2
While I am quite proud of my appellate work and successful law office, I consider my time spent teaching law at UMD the greatest accomplishment. My students often approach me years after they have been in my class for advice.
John Steven Lind
Question 1
As a lawyer who has practiced up the Shore since 1987, I have worked closely with most of the individuals in the Court Administrator's offices, prosecution offices and law enforcement offices. When Judge Sandvik decided to retire from his position, numerous individuals on the North Shore approached me to ask me to run for this judicial office. I was also inspired by how unique, and special, the legal system is in the Lake/Cook County area. (I practice law in many other parts of the state of Minnesota including in Federal Court.) I feel I would be a judge who would continue to foster the unique legal system up the North Shore.
Question 2
When a former client, or a friend or relative of a former client, either approaches me on the street, or sends a thank-you note, to personally inform me how my legal work positively changed their lives!
Tim Little
Question 1
I am running for this position because it is a great opportunity for me to combine my legal experience with my passion for public service. Over the last 15 years I have practiced in many different areas of the law including criminal, family, employment, personal injury, civil litigation, and other areas. I also served four years as an at large representative on the Duluth City Council where I respectfully listened to constituents voice their concerns, weighed the information and cast my vote based on all the facts presented. As a result I have gained the support from many people with vastly different backgrounds.
Question 2
My greatest accomplishment is having represented many people throughout my career. The most satisfying aspect for me is a former client sending a thank you card, thanking me in person, referring someone to me or simply becoming a friend.
James Ross
Question 1
A judge decides matters which directly impact our community, families, and individual citizens. These are important decisions that require knowledge and experience. I decided to run when I learned that none of the candidates have the needed background or experience. As a prosecuting attorney for the last 24 years, I have handled Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Probate, Child Support, everything through Zoning.
This job is too important for a person with no training. After I realized I am the most qualified person for the job, I decided to run.
Question 2
Treating each case with dignity and understanding has been my greatest satisfaction. The one accomplishment that stands out is the case of Earthburners Inc. vs. Carlton County. Earthburners Inc. wanted to stockpile contaminated soil near Twin Lakes Township and the County Board denied their permit application because of public outcry. Earthburners then appealed that decision to the District Court which reversed the County Board decision and required us to issue a permit.
I convinced the Board to appeal the District Court ruling to the Court of Appeals in St. Paul. The Court of Appeals upheld the District Court. I knew the District Court and Court of Appeals were wrong and finally convinced the Board to appeal again to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, after hearing my Oral Arguments, reversed both the District Court and the Court of Appeals decisions and ruled in our favor. With little fanfare, the creeks and rivers in Carlton County were saved.
Lawrence W. Ulanowski
Question 1
I was inspired to run for this office to have the opportunity to continue to uphold the integrity and professionalism of the Judicial System. I also have admiration for judges' work ethics as it is my belief that my work ethic parallels those whom I have come before to present my cases.
Question 2
The greatest accomplishment is being an engineer for 18 years and then becoming a lawyer and opening my own law practice with currently three office locations, including Duluth, Brainerd, and Minneapolis.
