Statesman Journal questionnaire for Nov.

2, 2010, General Election

Thank you for responding to this questionnaire, which is for use by Statesman Journal
Editorial Board members in evaluating Polk County Circuit Court candidates for
potential endorsement. Your answers also will be shared with reporters, may be published
in the print newspaper and may be posted on StatesmanJournal.com.

Deadline: Please return the questionnaire by 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11. Earlier is even
better. Please send it to the Editorial Board e-mail: Salemed@StatesmanJournal.com.

Circuit Court

Name: Monte Campbell

Age: 49

City/town of residence: West Salem

Number of years you have lived full-time in this county: 14years

Family (name of spouse/partner, number and ages of children if at home, number of

grown children):

Twyla Campbell (wife of 19 years); 2 children ages 10 and 8.

Current employer/job:

Chris Lillegard, P.C.

Employment, military and volunteer history:

Farmer; Firefighter; Construction Worker; Attorney

Civic/religious/other local involvement:

Current West Salem Rotary Vice President

2005-Present - Member Polk County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council;
2009-Present -West Hills Community Church Security Commission;
2009-Present - West Hills Community Church Facility Committee;
2007-2010 - JC and Country Relay Coach, Upward Basketball Coach, Volunteer Referee,
Little League Coach and Volunteer Umpire;
1996-2002 Member SBA; 1995-1997 President Polk County Bar;
1997-2000 Member Benton/Lincoln/Polk County Local Professional Responsibility
Committee;
2000-2001 Chair Benton/Lincoln/Polk County Local Professional Responsibility
Committee;
Involved in school and Head Start cleanup projects;
Participant American Cancer Society Laps for Life; and
Involved in fund raising for Family Building Blocks.

Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, and when:

None

Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office, and when:

None

Other political and government experience:

Member Polk County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council

Past Chair of Lincoln/Benton/Polk Local Professional Responsibility Committee

Year you were admitted to the Oregon State Bar:

1994

Other bars, if any, of which you an active member and when were you admitted:

None

Names/roles of any family members who serve as judges in Polk County or who are
practicing as lawyers in Polk County:

None

How the public can reach your campaign:

Mailing Address:

Monte Campbell
 PO Box 483
Dallas OR 97338

E-mail address:

campbell.for.judge@gmail.com

 
Web site URL:

www.montecampbellforjudge.com

Phone:

503-400-1829

Fax:

503-623-8339

How much will your general election campaign cost? (Please be specific about your
campaign budget, not “as much as we can raise.”)

Approximately $50,000.

Who are your top campaign contributors/lenders?

Norm and Tina Hill - $2500

Brian Boquist - $1000
Peggy Boquist - $1000
Chris Lillegard - $594
Hunter Emerick - $500

Endorsements you’ve received:

Stan Butterfield, Polk County District Mark Adams Jeff Fairchild Kathy Okawa
Lucille Alley Norm Fairchild Phil Parks
Attorney
Paul Alley Sue Fairchild Courtney Peirce
Charles E. Luukinen, Retired Circuit Court
Katie Anderson Teresa Fairchild Dana Peterson
Judge Steve Arneson Mary Farris Mike Peterson
Bonnie Arnold Adeline Fast Craig Pope
Charlie Bailey, Circuit Court Judge
Gerold Arnold Harry Fast Carolyn Preston
Andy Erwin, Circuit Court Judge
Marilynn Austin Ira Feitelson Alice Propes
Brian Boquist, State Senator Sherry Austin Paul Ferder Pam Propes
Jackie Winters, State Senator Lou Ayres Mike Fernety Kurt Pugh
Juanita Baker Chuck Ferris Jane Quiring
Jim Thompson, Oregon State Representative
Linda Baker Tonk Fischer John Ratzlaff
Randy Baker Shellie Friesen Mitch Ratzlaff
John Schoon, Former State Representative Claudia Barber Berry Sheryl Resner
Mike Barber Barbara Furer Sarah Rinehart
Dan Clem, City Councilman
Mary Barnett Mary Ellyn Gilbert Jesse Rios
Mike Propes, Polk County Commissioner
Steve Bates Luke Gillins David Roehl
Ron Dodge, Polk County Commissioner Miriam Bautista Cristina Gutierrez Toni Roehl
Patricia Beach Al Hall Colleen Rogers
Tom Ritchey, Polk County Commissioner
Frank Barnett Sharon Hall Nancie Rogers
Phil Walker, Past Polk County Commissioner
Richard "Doc" Beal Kathleen Chris Scadden
Craig Hanneman, Past Polk County Doug Berg Hanneman Marian Scadden
Bruce Bice Jo Ann Harwood Dan Schanz
Commissioner
Andrew Bird Rich Hayward Gene Schlabach
Ralph Blanchard, Past Polk County
Gary Bird Nicola Hedberg Richard Scott
Commissioner Leland Bird Gene Henshaw John Shaver
Shirley Bird Lynette Henshaw Ruth Shepard
Janet Taylor, Mayor of Salem
Tammy Bird John Hibbs Joe Shinkle
Jim Fairchild, Mayor of Dallas
Chris Bohl Dave Hilgemann Linda Shinkle
Ray Steele, Retired Polk County Sheriff Peggy Boquist Cathy Hill Faith Shinn
Angela Bowers Dale Hill Rick Shinn
Walter W. Foster, Retired Polk County Judge
Chris Bowers Marilou Hill John Shodin
Mark Bliven, Retired Dallas Municipal Court
Jed Bowers Norm Hill James Siegfried
Judge Robert Bowlin Tina Hill Lienda Siegfried
Charmayne Bowling Wes Hill Wayne Simmons
Todd McCann, Monmouth Municipal Court
Doug Bowling Zac Hill Dennis Spink
Judge
Jerry Bray Nolie Hillshafer Nona Springer
Joe Cochran, Past Polk County Treasurer Mary Bray Paul Hillshafer Steven Springer
Phyllis Britt Ken Jacroux Vi Starks
Don Abar, Deputy District Attorney
Kathie Brostrom Ed John Judy Steele
Jim Fowler, James Fowler Affiliates
Tod Brostrom Debbie Kenyon Sarah Steele
Wes Ediger, Retired Educator Salem/Keizer Bryan Brown Jay Kenyon Todd Steele
Julie Brumfield Terie Kester Gary Suderman
School District
Todd Brumfield Wayne Kester Jim Susee
Dr. Chris Edwardson, Dallas Family Medicine
Dr. Ryland Harwood Connie Butterfield Judy Kindwall Randall Sutton
Jim Campbell Richard Kindwall Tari Sutton
Steve Doell, Crime Victims United
Marietta Campbell Brad King Suzanne Talmadge
J. Richard Scruggs, Retired Assistant United
Twyla Campbell Pamela King Kathy Terleski
States Attorney Craig Carlson Dan Kizer Joe Terleski
Barbara Castleman Ronda Kizer Helga Thompson
Larry Wacken, Retired State Police
Heidi Chapman Burk Kleiber Carol Todd
Commander
Terry Cochran Jen Kleiber Kelly Todd
Barry Clift, Retired Detective Sergeant Kevin Crawford Alysia Koloen Brad Turnidge
Lynn Crawford Dean Koloen Sheila Turnidge
McKenzie Cribbs Jennifer Koloen Paige Van
Ross Cribbs Richard Lee Koloen Laningham
  Susan Cribbs Rick Koloen Jason Van Meter
Mark Croll Sharon Koloen Lori Van Riper
John Daczewitz Roger Kuhlman Joyce Vaughan
Teresa Daczewitz Marvin Kumley Charlotte Vidrio
Grant Davis Sue Lamb Don Vidrio
Alice Decker Warren Lamb Julio Vidrio
Don Decker Brenda Large Dave Voves
Courtney Dickerson Rachel Large Kathy Voves
Linda Dickerson Steve Large Becky Walker
Ron Dickerson Chris Lillegard Brandon Walker
June Dodge Darran Lockridge Mandi Walker
Mary Donnell Doug Lownsbery Judee Ward
Ray Donnell Valeria Luukinen Paul Ward
Laura Dotson Bob MacMillian Blair Wasson
Jeneane Douglas Cory Martin Tracy Wasson
Peter Douglas Fred Martin Debbie
David Doyle Angie Martinez Wattenbarger
Cathie Dunkworth Robert Martinez Norm Webb
Bettie Duhrkopf Cheryl Martinis Glen Welliver
Kahori Elmer Mike Martinis Dave Weston
Marcus Elmer Judi Maulding Sherry Weston
Mark Elston Bob McGauhey Janet Whitney
Sonya Elston Helen McGauhey John Whitney
 Hunter Emerick David McGuffey Bill Wittman
Laura Engstrom Peggy Mehl Paige Wittman
Jay Epperson Rob Mehl Bill Woodrum
Mike Erdman Roberta Mehl Jill Woods
Craig Evans Darcy Michaelson Chris Woodward
Nicholas Evans Rozellen Michaelson Julie Woodward
Mike Fagan Skip Miller Eric Yandell
Tricia Nelson Dr. Paul Young
Glen Okawa Linnda Young

For each of the following questions, feel free to limit your answer to about 75 words,
although that’s not a requirement.

1. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional

licensing board/organization (including the OSB) or had an ethics violation filed
against you? If so, please give the details.

No

2. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major
accounts, or been sued personally or professionally? If so, please give the details.

No

3. Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to serve the people of Polk County.  I have spent most of my career as a trial
lawyer in Polk County courts. I have witnessed firsthand how good judges can have a
tremendous impact on individuals who come to court as well as the entire community. 
On the bench they set a tone for the courtroom that lets people know they will be treated
fairly and professionally.  In the community they remain active and involved while
maintaining the standards required by the code of judicial conduct.  I believe I have the
legal skill and experience to serve in this position with distinction by maintaining this
Polk County tradition of quality judicial service.

4. Why should people vote for you? What separates you from your opponents?

Two issues seem to be driving this election; experience and temperament.  I offer the
people of Polk County the right mix of both.   All of the candidates are quality people
with ample legal experience.   However, my legal career offers more direct relevant
experience than the other candidates.   Circuit court judges are trial judges.  I have far
more trial experience than any of the other candidates.  The others candidates have
worked as appellate lawyers, administrative lawyers and political advocates with some
trial experience.  They have accomplished records and resumes. However, the bulk of
their experience is outside of a trial courtroom and not directly related the job of circuit
court judge.  Most of my career is in the courtrooms of Polk County.

I also believe my pre-law experience provides a unique perspective.  Most judges

follow a familiar career path.  They go directly from college, to law school, and then to a
career in the law.  Their decisions are necessarily influenced and limited by this
background.  My career has not followed the usual path.  I did not begin my work life as
a lawyer.  I started out as a farmer growing potatoes, barley, onions and alfalfa.  I also
worked as a wild land fire fighter and heavy equipment operator for road construction. 
Along the way I worked with people from all walks of life and different backgrounds.  I
experienced firsthand the risks and responsibilities entrepreneurs take when they go into
business for themselves.  I also experienced the challenges that come from living pay
check to pay check.  I even watched my parents go through the agony of losing their
family farm to foreclosure.  I have been a professional, a blue collar worker and a
fireman.  These experiences don't necessarily make me a better person and standing alone
they don't make me a better judge.  However, they do give me a broader range of
experience to draw from when judging others.

I have the right temperament to serve in Polk County.  A judge must be disciplined,
patient and respectful of all of the people who come before the court.   A judge must also
be acutely aware, while they have a role in the process, it doesn’t revolve solely around
them. Lawyers, witnesses, parties and court staff all have important roles to play in the
judicial process. A judge must be willing to listen and learn from them as well. Most
importantly, a judge must be decisive, but not authoritarian, so all of the parties can be
confident they have received a fair hearing even if they don’t agree with the outcome.  

Unfortunately, citizens often find it difficult to vote for judges because they don't
know us.  The most important qualifications, like temperament, are often intangible. 
These can't be discerned from a resume or a long list of past jobs.  Simply telling people
you have good judicial temperament is not very helpful.  One way to determine
intangibles like temperament, integrity and fairness is to look to the people who know
and work with all of the candidates.  I am proud of the broad base of support I have
received from the community.  Retiring Judge Luukinen and District Attorney Stan
Butterfield both support me in this election.  All three county commissioners, several past
commissioners, and countless Marion and Polk county lawyers also support my
candidacy.  These local leaders, from both political parties, would not be supporting me if
they did not think I had the right temperament for this job.

5. What personal strengths or talents would you bring to the role of circuit judge?
 As discussed, my life experience is of particular value as a circuit court judge.  Polk
County, in its own way, is very diverse.  In some respects we are a rural county. 
Agricultural issues tend to dominate our politics.  Many people reflect the values and
attitudes prevalent in farming country.  However, Polk County is changing.  The rapid
growths of residential areas, such as West Salem are bringing people with suburban
lifestyles and attitudes into the county.  I have the benefit of living both experiences.  My
background makes it easier for me to judge people who come before the court, without
being judgmental. 

6. What is the largest number of employees you’ve supervised, and in what

capacity?

As a farmer I regularly hired farm hands and seasonal employees.  Each year I
supervised up to 40 people at various times in the growing season.  As a fire crew leader
with the BLM I directly supervised 24 members of a fire team.  I was responsible for
making sure they stayed safe while executing our assigned missions.  While working
construction I was the demolitions expert and supervised crew members when using
dynamite and other explosives.  As a lawyer I share in the responsibility of supervising
and directing our office staff.

7. How would you describe your judicial temperament?

Truly effective judges share similar characteristics and temperaments.  First, they are
humble.  Our system has several traditions which help the judge maintain the authority of
the court.  They sit on a raised bench.  They are addressed as "judge" or "your honor". 
We give them a gavel and the formal power to hold people in contempt.  However, good
judges know putting on a black robe does not automatically imbue them with Solomon
like power of wisdom and discernment. They must be willing to listen and learn from the
lawyers, witnesses, and other participants in the legal system including the courthouse
staff.  

Second, good judges know judicial proceeding should not be about the judge.  They
maintain order and respect for the court by the even handed way they deal with people
and by focusing on resolving the dispute before the court.  Being polite and treating
people with respect is not a sign of weakness, it is strength. 

Finally, good judges are flexible. They know each case is different, some need
mediation, and some need litigation. Some cases need quick resolution and others need
time for discovery and negotiation. The judge’s job is to make sure cases stay on track
and are resolved in the most efficient, fair, and just manner possible.   If I am elected I
will operate a courtroom on these principles. 
 8. How many criminal cases have you tried in court as a prosecutor or defense
attorney?

Over 400.

9. How many civil cases have you tried in court?

I have handled several civil cases. They were all resolved without trial.

10. How many cases have you handled overall?

Over 8,000.

11. For what organizations have you done pro bono work?

I have not done any formal pro-bono work for any particular organization.  As
discussed below, our firm provides indigent defense services for Polk County.  In
addition, like most small firms we regularly reduce our legal fees based on our client's
ability to pay.

12. What has been the scope of your practice as a lawyer?

I started my legal career working with Salem Attorney, Con Lynch, in his estate
planning and business law practice.  However, I knew I wanted to focus on a career in the
courtroom.  After about a year I transferred my practice to Dallas Oregon.  I work with
attorney's Chris Lillegard, Doug Berg and Julio Vidrio.  Our office has a typical small
town practice.  We handle everything from domestic relations, collections for businesses,
and simple real estate transactions.  The firm also holds the contract for indigent defense
services for Polk County.  A large part of my practice is as a defense attorney.

13. What involvement have you had with the Oregon State Bar as far as writing
publications, leading seminars, working on projects or the like?

I am a member of our local Polk County Bar association and served as its President. 
I also served as chair person of the Oregon State Bar Local Professional Responsibility
Committee.  The role of that committee is to investigate ethics complaints against
lawyers.  The committee also deliberates and makes recommendations to the Oregon
State Bar for prosecution of complaints.
 14. What involvement have you had in educating laypeople, especially young people,
about the law and/or the role of lawyers/judges?

I have been involved as a moot court judge in competitions at Willamette College of

Law.

15. What experience do you have as a judge?

None

16. How would you explain the role of a judge?

Circuit Judges have a critical but limited role.  Trial judges do not make law or
establish public policy.  Frankly, this job is no place for someone with a political agenda. 
A judge’s job is to decide the cases presented based on the facts and the law.  Judges
also presides over jury trials where they decide what evidence is presented to the jury,
and what instructions the jury receives, when it decides the case.  However, one of the
judge’s most important roles is representing the judicial branch. Often, a
person’s interaction with the judge in their courtroom is the only interaction they will
ever have with the justice system.  The judge's role should also include getting out of the
courtroom and being seen as a leader in the community.

17. The Oregon Judicial Department, like other departments, faces a budget crunch.
Granted, you may have a limited role as a new circuit judge. Still, what cost-
saving and/or efficiency-improving steps would you advocate?

I would encourage the use all available tools for resolving disputes including
alternative dispute resolution systems.  The non-binding court annexed arbitration system
is one of the most efficient systems the court has of disposing of smaller civil money
disputes.  The parties get the benefit of an impartial fact finder.  However, they do not
lose their right to proceed to a full trial if they are unsatisfied with the process or
outcome.  Most cases settle after arbitration because the parties have a better appreciation
for how a neutral party will view their case.  Likewise, the court must develop and
enhance its ability to mediate cases with judicial settlement conferences.  Judge Luukinen
was an outstanding mediator.   He was sought out statewide to settle complex high profile
murder cases and complex civil cases.  He saved the state millions of dollars in resources
that would have been consumed in jury trials.  Polk County also benefited from his
expertise because he was considered its premier settlement judge.  He helped countless
litigants resolve their own cases voluntarily thereby preserving judicial resources.  Polk
County will miss Judge Luukinen's services.  We will need to develop the skills of the
remaining Judges to fill this role.
 18. How would you deal the issue of over-representation of minorities in the judicial
system (and thus the corrections system)?

The over representation of minorities in the criminal justice system is a genuine and
serious problem.  The disparity between the number of racial minorities as defendants
and their representation in the population as a whole is largely the result of social and
economic forces occurring outside of the courtroom.    However, in 1994 Oregon State
Bar task force on racial fairness led by Justice Edwin Peterson received testimony
identifying specific instances of racism at practically every stage of the criminal justice
process from arrest and detention to jury selection, plea negotiations, trial and
sentencing.  The task force also noted that the perception of racial bias can be detrimental
even if actual racism is not present. 
As a judge I would bear this in mind and take care to be sensitive to these issues and
to create an atmosphere in the courtroom where all parties felt they were treated fairly
without regard to their race or social or economic background.  I would also make every
effort to ensure qualified interpreters were available at all steps in the process.  

19. How effectively is the CASA system working in Polk County?

The Polk County CASA system is working well to serve the needs of children who
interact with the judicial process.

20. What changes, if any, would you advocate in the Polk County juror/jury selection
system?

The Polk County jury system works reasonably well.  Jurors are selected as a pool for
two month jury service.  All jurors appear initially for orientation where they learn how
the system works and what is expected of them.  Then they simply call in each Friday to
an automated phone line to learn if they will be called as jurors in the next week.  If they
are called for a jury they serve only one day or one trial.  Once called they are not
recalled for two years.  The key to making this system work is making sure jurors
understand the importance of jury duty.  At orientation we must explain that this is not
simply a civic responsibility, something to be avoided or an inconvenience.  The right to
a jury duty is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution and even mentioned in the
Declaration of Independence.  Jurors who feel service is important are more likely to
participate than those who are simply threatened with contempt for not appearing.

21. Who is your judicial role model, and why?

My judicial role model is Charles E Luukinen. I practiced in front of him for 15 of his
24 years on the bench in Polk County.  I was continually impressed with Judge
Luukinen's legal skill, common sense, and commitment to the community.  Judge
Luukinen had an uncanny knack for finding the moral center of a case.  He could quickly
and accurately assess the legal and factual merits of a case.  He could also assess the
motivations and needs of the people in each particular case.  This made him an effective
and sought after settlement judge.  But skill in the courtroom was only one element in
Judge Luukinen's career.  He also stayed involved in the community.  Judge Luukinen
volunteered countless hours with young people organizing referees for basketball and
other sports.  He served on the Board of Family Building Blocks.  He even made time to
mentor at least one young lawyer beginning his career and starting a family.  I owe Judge
Luukinen a huge debt of gratitude for his help over the years and his outstanding example
of professionalism and civility.  If I am elected to this position I will do my best to live up
to his example.

22. Any skeletons in your closet or other potentially embarrassing information that
you want to disclose before it comes up in the campaign?

No