Five attorneys seeking District 6 judgeship

Voters across the Sixth Judicial District have a rare opportunity to select a new district judge, with no incumbent in the race after Judge Dale Harris decided to step down at the end of his term. It is the first time without an incumbent since 2010, and the first for a judge at the Duluth courthouse since 1998. The Sixth District includes Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties.

The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

John B. Schulte

Age: 52

Residence: West Duluth

Current job: Attorney, Hanft Fride Law Firm

Education: I have a bachelor of science degree from the University of Iowa with a business minor, and a law degree from the University of Minnesota.

Legal background: I have worked as a judicial law clerk, for a small firm, as a solo practitioner, and for a larger firm. I was a judicial referee, a type of magistrate judge, for eight years. I practice family law, housing law, mediation, and have a background in consumer bankruptcy and some criminal defense work.

Why are you running?

I am running because the Sixth District Court judgeship is a great opportunity to serve the community and make a difference in the lives of people who, by virtue of being before the court, have experienced some difficulty. This is a challenging position that requires knowledge of many areas of the law, but is also a highly important and potentially very fulfilling career.

What makes a good district judge?

In addition to courtroom experience and knowing the law, a good judge has an even temperament and a sense of patience, fairness and empathy. Many parties in court have had life challenges and a good judge needs to understand this and meet people where they are. This is different than not holding people accountable for their choices, just recognizing where they're coming from.

How will your background and personal attributes help you on the bench?

I have had a varied background including extensive work with children and families (I'm a proud father of three great young adults). I have been a custody evaluator, guardian ad litem, and represented parents in child protection matters and family court. I am one of the most frequently chosen mediators in the area due to my ability to get to the heart of issues and settle cases. Most importantly, I was a magistrate for almost eight years. I presided over small claims, evictions, harassment restraining orders, domestic abuse orders for protection, traffic and minor criminal, and family court matters. These were challenging, high-conflict cases with mostly self-represented parties. This experience was invaluable and directly ties to a district court position. I have been a judge. I wore the robe every day and I know what the job takes and how to do it well.

What is one way the legal system can better serve all Americans?

The legal system needs to do a better job of having easy-to-understand forms that use plain English, rather than legal jargon, as more and more people struggle to afford representation. The legal system also dumps too many costs onto the user. Be it fines, user fees, filing fees, probation fees, treatment fees, while there is some discretion to waive certain costs, it could and should go further. Imposing additional monetary costs and penalties on people who are already struggling financially is not going to help them move past the difficulties that likely contributed to their being in court in the first place. To use a saying we must not "criminalize poverty."

What is one thing you'd like to say to voters?

I understand judicial elections are tough. They're rare. We run as nonpartisans and can't really say where we stand on issues. We're not politicians. I consider everyone in this race a friend and, frankly, we're all good lawyers. I'm running because I truly believe in the potential to do great work and I believe I have the right mix of life and work experience to be the best choice. I hope you agree.

Peter Raukar

Age: 48

Residence: Hermantown

Current job: Attorney/partner at Thibodeau, Johnson & Feriancek, Trial Group North

Education: Graduate of Hibbing High School; The University of St. Thomas; and Rutgers School of Law (with honors)

Legal background: I worked as a staff attorney, as well as a law clerk to Judge Christopher M. Murray at the Michigan Court of Appeals in Detroit. I also was an associate attorney at Johnson, Killen & Seiler in Duluth and now associate attorney and partner at Trial Group North.

Why are you running?

I have always actively volunteered in whatever community I have lived in, and I have continued to do so in the Duluth area as a coach, pro bono attorney, board member for numerous boards, and an investigator for the ethics committee. I now want to attempt to have a further positive impact on our community on a daily basis through my profession, by utilizing my skill set to be a fair and impartial judge.

What makes a good district judge?

A good district court judge needs to be a good listener who approaches each matter with an open mind with the right temperament so they can exercise patience and empathy, and treat everybody with respect and fairness. A judge must have a well-rounded understanding of the law and put in the time and effort to be prepared for each matter the court hears. A judge also needs the humility to ask questions when needed.

How will your background and personal attributes help you on the bench?

I have represented national and local businesses in various litigation matters (to include representing multiple Fortune 500 companies), as well as assisted the Michigan Court of Appeals to write civil and criminal opinions regarding matters appealed from trial court rulings. As a result, I am very familiar with our court system, and have a broad understanding of the law.

I believe I would be a fair, respectful and impartial judge who would have a positive impact on our community. I have the patience, demeanor, and right temperament to work through matters with prosecutors, public defenders, and private counsel, as well as to help make pro se litigants comfortable through what can be an intimidating process. As evidenced by the hard work our campaign has put in, I am also a hard worker that will put in the time and energy needed to be prepared for each matter I hear.

What is one way the legal system can better serve all Americans?

Trial courts are overburdened and under-resourced in certain areas. This causes a backlog of cases, and delays in adjudication of matters. Even working with current resource levels, if district court judges took a 5-percent pay cut, several additional judges could be hired, resulting in less backlog, as well as less burnout of judges who are increasingly stepping away from the bench at younger ages.

Litigation is also expensive, resulting in many individuals not being able to afford attorneys. Potential solutions to this problem are having the government budget more resources to legal-aid type programs for civil matters, so more attorneys can be hired by those programs, and, in turn, income qualification thresholds can be raised.

What is one thing you'd like to say to voters?

I encourage everyone to visit raukarmn.com, the campaign's Facebook page (Raukar for Minnesota) or my LinkedIn page (Peter Raukar) to learn more about me. Please get out and vote during the Aug. 13 primary, and I hope that you will consider voting for Raukar. Thank you for your time and consideration, and if you have any specific questions I can answer, please send an email to [email protected].

Shawn B. Reed

Age: 53

Residence: Midway Road, Duluth

Occupation: Attorney, shareholder with Bray & Reed

Education: Esko High School; University Minnesota Duluth, bachelor of arts degree with majors in political science and criminology and a minor in philosophy; William Mitchell College of Law, juris doctor cum laude; member of the Rosalie Wahl Moot Court Society

Legal background: I have been a trial attorney for 27 years. My practice includes criminal law, family law, civil cases, and appellate work. My criminal practice is unique because I serve as a prosecuting attorney for local municipalities and a private criminal defense attorney. Related to the family law practice, I am on the Rule 114 Roster of Qualified Neutrals. Finally, I serve as an administrative hearing officer for municipalities and housing agencies.

Why are you running?

I have 27 years of experience appearing in court, representing my community and clients in various legal matters. I seek the district court judge position to continue serving my community. My extensive trial experience includes working as a prosecuting attorney, criminal defense attorney, family law attorney, and civil law attorney. I have also served as a hearing officer for municipal and housing matters.

What makes a good district judge?

A successful judge requires patience, empathy, humility, multitasking ability, and a sense of humor. Patience, because courts handle people and complex issues. Empathy, because a day in court may be a person's worst day. Humility, because the work is about the law and the individuals in court, not the judge. Multitasking, because without it, delays occur. Finally, a sense of humor, because the work may become overwhelming if you cannot find life's lighthearted moments.

How will your background and personal attributes help you on the bench?

My background in trial practice has given me a thorough understanding of the types of cases commonly handled by judges and the daily operations of the court. I manage cases effectively and ensure their timely progress. As an administrative hearing officer, I have served as a judge, applying the law to facts and making impartial decisions. Because of this, I am prepared to step into the role of the next district court judge on Day 1. I am committed to ensuring that justice is not delayed and that attorneys, parties, and the public can count on timely decisions.

My greatest strength is my ability to demonstrate fairness. I believe that all need to be treated with respect and dignity without regard to their background or circumstances. Not everyone can win their case. But, if one experiences respect and dignity, one is more likely to have felt they have been heard.

What is one way the legal system can better serve all Americans?

Improve access to justice. Access is often hindered by a person's financial situation, which can prevent them from obtaining justice in both criminal and civil cases. While the public defender system assists those at risk of losing their freedom, the economic qualifications for accessing a public defender are quite low. As a result, many individuals who live paycheck to paycheck do not qualify for a public defender. This financial barrier also extends to civil cases, where many people cannot afford to hire a lawyer and are consequently forced to represent themselves. This, in turn, burdens the judicial system as matters may be delayed.

What is one thing you'd like to say to voters?

Go out and vote for your judge. The Sixth District has not had an open judicial election since 2010 and 1998 before that. This is your rare opportunity to select the judge who will make important decisions that directly impact you and the community. Other elected offices do not have that direct impact. Judges decide a person's freedom and property rights and make important decisions that impact families. Go and vote.

Gunnar B. Johnson

Age: 56

Residence: Gnesen Township

Current job: Attorney with Overom Law Firm

Education: University of Minnesota Duluth, bachelor of science degree with major in biology and minor in chemistry, dean's list and a number of awards for service, including the Sieur du Luth Award; law school at the American University in Washington, D.C., juris doctor, graduated cum laude in the top 25 percent.

Legal background: I am an attorney with Overom Law. My clients include the Cloquet Area Fire District, Hermantown, various townships, UMD and the HRA. I also volunteer with Legal Aid.

For 11-plus years, I was the Duluth City Attorney working on transactional, litigation, legislative, criminal, real estate, and employment matters.

For seven years, I was an assistant attorney general for Minnesota, representing the IRRRB and other state agencies. I handled civil, criminal, litigation, transactional, and appellate matters.

Why are you running?

My work in public service has been the most rewarding part of my legal career. I would like the opportunity to serve our area as a judge in the Sixth Judicial District. I believe my 30 years of experience in both civil and criminal matters and as a hearing officer would be valuable in helping to resolve legal matters in Carlton and St. Louis counties. I would be honored to serve our district as a judge.

What makes a good district judge?

A good district judge is hardworking, listens to all sides in a dispute, has a good demeanor, has a strong knowledge of the law, is unbiased, is ethical, makes decisions in a timely manner, and explains his decisions in a way that nonlawyers can understand. I believe that my work ethic, demeanor, extensive legal background, and experience throughout the entire district would make me a valuable part of the judicial team that serves our area.

How will your background and personal attributes help you on the bench?

I am currently a hearing officer for Duluth's Housing and Redevelopment Agency, which is a role similar to that of a district court judge. The HRA hearing is similar to a civil trial. It begins with opening statements, then both sides present their arguments, witnesses and evidence. When all witnesses have been heard and all evidence submitted, both sides make closing statements. The hearing officer then has seven days to review the law, draft a written decision, and serve the decision on the parties. There are often issues such as mental health, addiction, and poverty that are factors to consider in making a decision. I am conscientious about getting my decisions to the parties in a timely manner and making sure that they are understandable to a nonlawyer. I find being a hearing officer is interesting, rewarding, and challenging. I believe my work as a hearing officer will help me as a judge.

What is one way the legal system can better serve all Americans?

A fair and unbiased legal system is the foundation of our society. When justice and fairness are lost, our society loses trust in the legal system. We see this in countries where corruption is tolerated. Our legal system is built on respect, dignity, and fairness. My goal is not to "fix" the system. I want to be a hardworking member of the judicial team that serves our community.

I will work to make the court system as fair, efficient, and user friendly as possible. I will listen to those that come before me. I will make decisions based on facts and law. I will issue timely, understandable decisions. I will work to keep the Sixth Judicial District a healthy part of our local government and society.

What is one thing you'd like to say to voters?

Usually our local judges are appointed by the governor and come up for retention every six years. The voters get to pick the judge for this seat. This is an important decision. I believe my experiences of handling complex legal matters like Duluth's case against The Last Place on Earth and as a hearing officer would be an excellent fit for our judicial needs. I ask for your vote and promise to work hard as your district judge.

Gerald Wallace

Age: 38

Residence: Hermantown

Current job: Attorney/owner of Wallace Law Firm for criminal defense, family law, probate, and real estate; part-time public defender for the Board of Public Defense in Duluth

Education: Marshall School in Duluth; Hamline University, bachelor of arts in history; University of Dayton School of Law, juris doctor

Legal background:

For the last 10 years I have been an attorney in northeastern Minnesota. I handle the case types that make up about 80 percent of the court's business. I have experience in handling high-conflict and high net-worth divorces, large asset probate cases, and major and minor criminal cases ranging from petty misdemeanors to murder cases. I believe this diverse legal practice makes me best prepared to handle the cases heard by the district court.

Why are you running?

I want to help people. The court system is perhaps the most influential government branch on a person's day-to-day life. It is America's emergency room for life's problems. If there is a problem to solve, you come to the courthouse to solve it.

What makes a good district judge?

Compassion, attentiveness, patience, generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness. A person coming to court is nervous. In that person's eyes the judge holds the power to make a decision that will change the rest of their lives. It is important for a trial court judge to not only allow a person to feel like they were heard, but to create an atmosphere in which a person can speak. That is why these qualities are important.

How will your background and personal attributes help you on the bench?

My youth blended with my own real-life and professional experience will bring a new perspective not only to legal decisions but to ensuring our courthouse remains responsive to those it serves. My wife and I have been the recipient of public assistance. My wife and I have had doctors and social workers pass judgement on us based on nothing more than our status as unmarried parents at that time. I've had landlords try to take my damage deposit. As a victim of theft, I have had law enforcement be unresponsive to me. I have seen law enforcement be responsive to victims and respectful to defendants. As a result, I understand that our system needs to be responsive to the people it serves. My own lived life experiences, I believe, have given me the attributes I have described that I think are necessary to be a good district court judge.

What is one way the legal system can better serve all Americans?

Our legal system needs to better serve people who appear unrepresented. I want to lead on studying and implementing methods to use technological advancements to give unrepresented people better access to our courts and ease the completion of routine forms. This can be done through use of technological innovations to make routine court forms easier to fill out - simplifying and opening up the electronic filing systems to allow service to and by the unrepresented through a system reserved for attorneys. I want to serve to make access to a skilled attorney more cost-effective in our district by working with partners to ensure that attorneys are available when needed.

What is one thing you'd like to say to voters?

Why me? My youth blended with my own real-life and professional experience will bring a new perspective not only to legal decisions but to ensuring our courthouse remains responsive to those it serves. I have professional and personal experiences necessary to ensure both sides are heard, and the law is applied fairly to everyone. I want to see that cycles of criminal court contact are broken and that real methods are used to disrupt and reduce recidivism.