Judge Tad Jude, 10th District Judge spoke to us today of the importance of accountability at all branches of government and how we need to hold all officials accountable. The MN 10th Judicial district is very large consisting of portions of 6 Congressional Districts and 8 Counties, with Anoka being the biggest. There is one contested judicial race this Nov 8 in the Supreme Court between Natalie Hudson and Michelle McDonald. Judicial posts are non-partisan but you can research candidates on line and get some idea of how they might approach a case. The Courthouse at the Government Center in Stillwater has 10 judges and is open to the public (except for juvenile cases). A new emerging issue he is seeing more of is addictions to Opioid prescription drugs which have led people to seek other drugs like Heroin. There was an extensive question and answer session which was fascinating. We are very appreciative of Judge Jude speaking to the group today.
Sat. Sept. 10 – The Importance of the Courts
You’re invited – Sat. Sept 10, 2016 from 9 – 11:00 am
Lake Elmo Inn, RSVP by Thurs Sept 8, 2016
Speaker: Judge Tad Jude on the court and criminal justice system; the importance of three separate, equal and independent branches of government; and the role of judicial elections.
To reserve a spot contact Brian at: 612-462-2163 or email him at: [email protected]
Cost: $20. non-member; $16. members and $10. Students.
Join for the year: $25 and it will pay off in 5 meetings.
We express thanks to Mike Hickey of the Nat. Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for speaking to the group. NFIB is the largest small business group in the US which was begun in 1945 and has 11, 000 members in Minnesota. In wrapping up the 2016 MN Legislative Session, Mike felt that “divided government” worked in our favor. The commercial property tax exemption for small business was an important part of the tax bill but unfortunately the Governor vetoed it. It would have the impact of making Minnesota businesses more competitive. There was also a farmer favorable provision that would shield their large properties from the burden of School Board referendum and other items. The tax bill was the centerpiece of a 2 year effort. Two items that were not included were Federal conformity of taxes re: the estate tax and expensing provisions. There was an interesting question and answer period; too much to summarize here.
We’ll next meet again Sat. Sept. 10, 9-11 am at the Lake Elmo Inn. Consider attending – there is lots to learn!