For first time in more than a decade, a challenge for Hennepin County's chief judge

Hennepin County Judge Ivy Bernhardson was next in line to become chief adjudicator of the state's largest judicial district. But for the first time in more than a decade, the position will have a challenger.

Judge Tanya Bransford said she wants a chance to make an even greater impact on justice equity in the criminal system. If elected, she would be the first chief district judge of color in Hennepin County.

The race comes at a time of high-profile cases such as the police-involved shooting of Jamar Clark, racial disparity issues and a state push to reform drug sentences. The winner will be decided by the county's 62 judges on May 2.

"There is no assumption who will be the next chief judge," said Judge Peter Cahill, who currently holds the title. "I know both candidates well, and I think it's good to have an airing of different viewpoints."

Since the 1980s, Hennepin County has had a handful of chief and assistant chief judge elections. Incumbents have been defeated, and some races revolved more around personalities than policy issues. One election narrowly focused on how the chief judge planned to handle the merging of the county's district and municipal court systems.

The position is largely administrative, but it does allow the chief judge to devote significant time to larger projects and initiatives. Bernhardson and Bransford joked that they certainly didn't want the position because of the extra $14,000 they would receive over the two-year term.

The judges bring diverse resumes to the competition. Bernhardson, 64, was appointed to the bench in 2007. She previously served as counsel for Medica, Hazelden and General Mills and director of several social service agencies. She has served as assistant chief judge for the last four years, which she said has prepared her for the next career challenge.

"I'm not running because I'm black, but winning would still make a message," Bransford said. "I think I can bring more to the table."

For quite some time, Bernhardson said it appeared that no one wanted to run against her. After Bransford announced her candidacy, she sent her colleagues an e-mail that she wanted to participate "in as many forums as we can" before the election to discuss views on the court. The first forum was Tuesday.

"It would be an overreaction for anybody on the bench or the community to be upset that there is an election for chief judge," said veteran Hennepin County Judge Kevin Burke, who served four terms in the position, most recently in 2004. "Some just want the title and have no vision, but having a vision is critical."

Minnesota's chief judge selection process is healthier than that in most states, Burke said. Unlike the majority of states, Minnesota has elections for the spot. Others require judicial districts to submit two names and the state Supreme Court chooses the winner.

The duties of chief judge include budget, personnel and policy decisions as well as serving on a state council with other chief judges. Cahill used his four years in the position to develop and implement the state's historic transition to a paperless court known as e-court.

"Nothing is more important than public trust and confidence in the justice system," she said. "We must improve how we communicate with our diverse court users, and my vision includes finding the next generation of innovations."

As chief judge, Bransford said she would miss the daily caseload that would no longer be on her plate.

While the position gives the opportunity for an advocacy platform, former Chief Judge Burke summed up the job as sometimes being in a cemetery.

"You may be above everybody, but nobody is listening," he said.

David Chanen • 612-673-4465