Centennial Visitors Get Peek Inside Judges’ Chambers

(KNSI) – During the centennial open house for the Stearns County Courthouse Tuesday night, even the judges’ chambers were open to the public.

Senior Justice Mary Mahler, who was appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty over a decade ago, watched closely as children occasionally bumped the corner of a desk or bookshelf while playing. Her tidy chambers were littered with popcorn kernels and small shreds of candy bar wrappers. She expressed how impressed she was by the turnout for the event.

“I had to zip home and take care of a few things there and I came here and I couldn’t believe how full the building was, and I was just amazed.”

Inside the chambers is an historic vault for collecting fines and court fees. It is one of many quirks of the 100-year-old building. Most people still traveled by horse and buggy in the 1920s. Coming from the western end of the county, it was a full day’s trip. They used to be able to rent out a bed in a dormitory on the upper floors.

Mahler addressed a question many people have had over the past week. She says there is a good reason why you see few judge candidates run for election in November.

“You have a very long written application. You have to have 10 to 15 letters of recommendation, not only from your colleagues but also adversaries that you went against to demonstrate your professionalism and civility.”

The application and letters of recommendation go before a committee, which then makes two to three suggestions for each open seat. The selected candidates then must meet personally with the governor for an interview before getting appointed.

From then on, they are required to run for reelection every six years. Mahler says lawyers know how difficult the process is and they are hesitant to challenge the qualifications of someone who survives it.

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