Judicial candidate: Rick Stebbins

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Rick Stebbins

Age 42

Family: Married; four children.

Hometown: Stillwater.

Education: William Mitchell College of Law; University of St. Thomas.

Work experience: I've worked at Legal Assistance of Washington County; I started and ran a small firm for eight years and I currently work at Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh in St. Paul. I have practiced primarily in the areas of family and criminal law, including over 1,000 cases, over 100 trials and about a dozen appeals. I'm currently the vice-president of the Ramsey County Bar Association.

1. What makes you the best candidate?

My 17 years of experience in family law, criminal law and mediation give me the tools to effectively handle the most voluminous areas of a judge’s caseload at the district court level. I've worked as a litigator, mediator and early case evaluator, trained to analyze cases early on to promote settlement and resolve cases quickly without unnecessary and wasteful litigation.

2. How would you as a judge suggest the court system respond to limited or reduced state funding?

I've worked on Ramsey County’s Early Case Management committee aimed at streamlining the early processing of cases to move them more quickly toward settlement. I've been appointed by judges in dozens of cases to act as an evaluator for the parties and attorneys with the goal of identifying issues and reaching settlement where possible. As a judge, I would strongly promote the use of early case management and evaluation so that cases do no languish for months before the parties begin negotiations and efforts toward settlement.

3. Do you believe judicial candidates should be allowed to discuss political views and be involved in non-judicial politics?

I absolutely do not believe judicial elections should contain any aspect of influence or endorsement by political parties. The purpose of a non-partisan seat and the essence of an objective and neutral judiciary DEMANDS that politics be left out of judicial elections. Judges should be selected by merit and experience, not by association with a party platform.