John Melbye wants your vote in a judicial election even though he has never practiced as an attorney in a court of law. He claims he has a thousand hours of courtroom experience - all as a law clerk. I have practiced as an attorney in Mr. Melbye's home county for 11 years. I have never met him, nor do I recall seeing him in the courtroom more than a handful of times.
As a District Chief Public Defender, I am responsible for providing public defender services in all of the 17 counties in the 9th Judicial District, including Hubbard County. It is in these same 17 counties that voters will be choosing between the unknown Melbye and the Honorable Terrance Holter.
It is important for me to know the candidates because my staff and clients will have their lives affected by the decisions of the elected judge. We expect and appreciate the knowledge and experience of Judge Holter. Others agree: Nearly all of the 17 sheriffs in the district have taken a stand in this election, and every single one that has made a public endorsement is backing Judge Holter.
Curious to meet and hear the position of Judge Holter's opponent, I have attended several public forums to which both have been invited to speak and discuss their views and judicial philosophies. Mr. Melbye has chosen to avoid public discussion and has not attended any public forum. Is there something he doesn't want to talk about?
As I travel the 17 counties of the 9th Judicial District, I am frustrated to see so many signs for Mr. Melbye, and yet even though I live and practice law in his home county, I have no idea what he stands for and why he thinks, with no experience, he is qualified to take the seat of an incumbent judge who has served the public for 26 years.
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I respectfully urge you to vote for Judge Holter.
Kristine Kolar
Bemidji
