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Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Justice helps gavel in Judicial Center State Supreme Court's Russell Anderson lauds new facility
at dedication ceremony Senior Reporter Even lofty ideals of justice cannot function without an adequate facility, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Russell Anderson told those gathered Tuesday at Crow Wing County's dedication of its new court building.
An impartial court system is at the core of every emerging democracy, Anderson said.
"It is exemplified by this beautiful facility," he said.
People crowded into the Judicial Center's lobby entrance for the ceremony, which was complete with ribbon-cutting and oversized scissors. Public tours of the building followed.
During the ceremony, Crow Wing County Board Chairman Ed Larsen said he believed other counties will envy this Judicial Center. He thanked everyone involved, including now-retired auditor Roy Luukkonen, for their efforts to build what he described as a quality and lasting structure that wasn't extravagant.
"We stayed on schedule," Larsen said. "We stayed under budget."
Crow Wing County District Judge John Leitner thanked the county board and the hard work that led to the dedication ceremony. Leitner said a justice system is measured by the quality of people who work there, but the building where they do work can make a difference. For jurors, witnesses, litigants and observers, Leitner said the court system will be more user-friendly for the public.
"This Judicial Center will continue to provide for the needs of the public well into the future," Leitner said.
The event drew judges, attorneys, residents and mayors.
Anderson, who has long ties to the 9th Judicial District as a judge in Crookston who tried cases in Crow Wing County and as chief of the 9th District, praised the county board for its leadership. He said the state-of-the-art court building has many features designed to improve children's justice. The addition of public health screening offices next to the juvenile and family courtroom will cut times involved in child protection cases from weeks to days, Anderson said.
Growth in dispute mediation is addressed by available space in the Judicial Center and is a wise use of resources, Anderson said. On a personal note, Anderson drew laughs from the crowd when he said he had nothing to do with the county's choice, but was proud of his cousin Gary Otterstad, Construction Analysis & Management in Brainerd, as construction manager for the campus building project.
Larsen said by taking advantage of a favorable bond market a few years ago the county was able to build a facility that would cost considerably more now and be nearly impossible to duplicate today.
Anderson said the building answered judicial concerns for safety and security and included design planning expertise in a building that sees some of the most difficult conflicts in people's lives.
"It's a wonderful facility," Anderson said. "It is a model for the future. Crow Wing County should be proud of the facility."
RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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