Presentation by Hen. Cty. Chief Judge SwensonSTATE OF MINNESOTA
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
JAMES T. SWENSON
CHIEF JUDGE
HENNEFiN ".;;NTH COVERNISE~~? CFti-EP
M~NNEAPOL~S. ICI ~,Ntv'ESCT~ SSaB7~Ca?2
(6i2) 3a8-2122
~Ax(6'~21 596-9iaa
August 6, 2008
Dear Mayors, City Council Members and City Managers,
Maintaining public safety is on the minds of all public officials. Providing that safety requires a
concerted effort by police, prosecutors, elected officials, the courts and others. All three
Minnesota branches of government -including the Fourth Judicial District / Hennepin County
District Court -are struggling with significant budget reductions. Several community leaders -
includingcity managers, mayors, city council members, and city attorneys -have expressed
interest in receiving an update regarding the manner in which these budget difficulties are
impacting the court. We appreciate this concern.
The Hennepin County bench already has regular contact with the city of Minneapolis and
Hennepin County, which gives those justice partners an opportunity to discuss court issues of
import to them. The bench is interested in expanding that dialogue to include our suburban
justice partners. As part of its strategic plan, the Minnesota Judicial Branch wants to enhance
public understanding of our courts and what we are doing on behalf of your citizens.
With those goals in mind, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest
convenience, bring you up to date regarding what's happening in the courts, and respond to your
questions on topics affecting your community, such as crime rates, DWIs, kids in trouble, home
foreclosures and loan defaults. I will make every effort to accommodate your day or evening
meeting preference. To schedule a meeting, contact my executive assistant Jenna Hernandez,
612-348-2192 orjennafer.hernandez~i,courts.state.mn.us.
Thanl~ j'Cu for }'Cur eCns:derat:Cn.
Sincerely,
f /
James T. Swenson
Chief Judge
Hennepin County District Court / Fow~th Judicial District