The Honorable Kenneth Sandvik
Before sitting down for an interview with the Cook County News-
Herald
on Tuesday, June 8, Judge Kenneth Sandvik dealt with a probation issue in the Cook County courtroom. Noting that a defendant was familiar to him, Sandvik said he had watched the person “grow up here.” Sandvik quipped, “Another reason I’m getting too old to be sitting here.”
Sandvik frequently uses humor to lighten the mood in the courtroom, however he gave serious thought to ending his judicial career. Although he began his own stint on the bench as a political appointee in 1984, he strongly believes a judge should be chosen by the people. Judicial terms are for six years and knowing that he didn’t want to commit to six more years, Sandvik decided to not to run for re-election. If he ran for re-election and won, then retired midterm, the governor—whoever that may be, would fill the position.
“I’m 62 and will turn 63 in March,” said Sandvik during his short break between hearings, “and I’m a firm believer that the government should not pick my successor. The public should make that choice.”
After his initial appointment by Governor Rudy Perpich to replace a judge who had been injured in a car accident, Sandvik ran for the judge’s seat in 1986. He won the race and faced a challenge from opponent Rick Hanson, a lawyer from Duluth, who contested the outcome. Sandvik’s win was upheld and he went on to be reelected (with no opposition) in 1992, 1998, and 2004.
His retirement left a hole on the 2010 ballot, which will be filled by one of eight candidates who have filed for the District 6 judicial seat. Sandvik said he wouldn’t offer an endorsement for any of the candidates.
As I said, that is for the public to decide—particularly for the public on the North Shore. I will say that I hope the people elect someone who will advocate for rural courts as the state pushes for courthouse closures. I hope whoever is elected will fight to keep this court open,” he said adamantly.
Asked if he would share thoughts on the most difficultcase he had ever presided over, Sandvik, still in judge mode, said he didn’t want to discuss the people who have appeared in his court. However, he said the hardest cases in general have been those that involved children. Those cases were difficult, but also the most satisfying. “Deciding which rich person gets the last check is not that satisfying. Helping determine where a child will grow up and be raised—that is satisfying,” he said.
“One thing you have to learn early on is that you have to have an incredibly healthy ego. There is no committee—you have to make the decision. You are accountable. It is very humbling,” said Sandvik.
And, Sandvik said, it has been surprising the good wishes he has received since he announced his decision to not run for re-election, even from people who have been sentenced in his court.
And just what is the judge going to do in his retirement? He plans to spend more time with his five grandchildren spread around the country—in the Twin Cities, in New York and in Chicago. He also plans to travel and to volunteer in the community— most certainly with the Rotary Club of Two Harbors of which he has been president for several years.
He’s looking forward to his last day in court, which will likely be sometime in December 2010, since the new judge’s term will begin the first Monday in January. “I thought I’d have second thoughts after making the announcement,” said a bemused Sandvik. “But there haven’t been any.
“To paraphrase Jimmy Buffett, some of it’s tragic; some of it’s magic; it’s been a good ride all along,” said Sandvik. “I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
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