Cass County's leading judge said Monday that he found some truth to criticisms released last week about his court chambers but most of the problems have been resolved.
"I was sorely disappointed," said Norman Backes, presiding judge for the East Central Judicial District. "I had no idea it was that bad."
A report released Wednesday by a Minneapolis consultant highlighted several concerns raised by the district's judges, including a lack of teamwork, mutual respect and communication.
In particular, the report said the eight-member group lacked leadership when Michael McGuire was presiding judge.
McGuire, who referred all questions about the report to Backes, resigned from the position in late May, about eight months before his three-year term expires.
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In his fax to State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, McGuire gave no reason for resigning.
Among other administrative duties, the presiding judge is responsible for calling regular meetings. In the East Central District, which covers Cass, Traill and Steele counties, judges hadn't fully met in at least two years, the report said.
Judge Lawrence Leclerc, who has served in his elected position since 1979, said Monday that meetings had been sporadic for the last five years, starting before McGuire took the lead.
Backes, who has served several terms as presiding judge and was appointed by VandeWalle to replace McGuire, said his group now will meet monthly.
According to the report, the independent nature of the judge's role caused most of the problems within the district's chambers.
Leclerc, who once served as presiding judge, said trying to manage a group of such autonomous individuals can be frustrating.
"Have you ever tried to herd cats?" he asked.
The consultations, which began in April and cost $8,000, came at the suggestion of State Court Administrator Ted Gladden, who said he saw several concerns and issues in the district that could use review.
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The intervention was not caused by any one person, Gladden said last week, and added that the findings were not uncommon for a district as large as the East Central Judicial District.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Forster at (701) 241-5538
