Readers Write (Oct. 20): Giraffes, judicial elections, Halloween, Columbus Day

I want to thank the Star Tribune for publishing the wonderfully articulate article "Research on giraffes surprisingly … short" (Oct. 12). It aptly describes the animal's "ochered flagstone fur blending seamlessly with the acacia trees" and "stately cortege across the open landscape" with "grandeur that is operatic," an "aria embodied."

I didn't realize so little was known about this amazing creature and agree that giraffes are the "forgotten megafauna." They are so quiet and well-camouflaged; they can be easily overlooked while on safari. Not surprisingly, their populations are plummeting, as is most wildlife.

Some scientists are calling it the "sixth extinction." Humans are the root cause — pollution, climate change, and the taking of habitat for homes and agriculture. Close to 2 million Minnesotans count themselves as wildlife watchers. The "incidental" take of wildlife — such as bats killed by wind turbines, birds killed by buildings and outdoor cats, pollinators lost to pesticides and agriculture — is lopping populations and, as we are finding, can cause duress to individual animals. We must step up and fully calculate the impacts on wildlife, in deliberations around agriculture, development, energy and pesticide use before we lose more splendors forever.

As former chief justices and associate justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court, we have a strong interest in our state's nonpartisan judicial elections. We hope that, on Nov. 4, Minnesotans will vote to retain Justice David Lillehaug on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Lillehaug was appointed to the Supreme Court upon recommendation by the nonpartisan Judicial Selection Commission. When he took office, he pledged to be fair and impartial, deciding cases on precedent and principle, not on politics. We believe that he has more than lived up to that pledge.

Lillehaug has shown himself to be a fine jurist and, in our opinion, well deserves to be retained on the Supreme Court.

We will be voting for him.

HENNEPIN COUNTY

Bev Benson is running to be a Hennepin County judge (4th District Court, Seat 53). Let me tell you a bit about her background. She grew up in Willmar, Minn., and worked at her parents' business helping to sell grain silos to farmers. Her father's family worked as farmers. She followed her father, becoming a graduate of Augsburg College. She started a course of study at Luther Seminary, but decided that the law was her passion. She graduated from the William Mitchell College of Law, and after short internships, she accepted a position in the Stearns County Attorney's office. She met, and married, a schoolteacher who had roots in farming.

Bev decided that being a prosecutor was both a way of serving the public good and a way of perhaps making a positive impact on those who had run afoul of the law. I think Bev believes every person has choices, and even individuals who go to trial can — with help — have a chance to become productive citizens again.

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Electing a judge is about more than picking the attorney who has served the longest. Unlike appointed judges, we get to choose the people who best represent our community in the hopes they bring the same values and judgment to court we've seen in the community.

Background matters. Bridget has spent her career doing three things: 1) Representing a diverse group of clients in court; 2) Constantly learning and developing her skills, and 3) Giving back to Hennepin County in the form of volunteer work and pro bono cases. This experience, combined with her intellect and integrity, give her a sound foundation on which to carefully consider each case before her.

Experience matters. A narrow career focus brings a narrow perspective to court. Fortunately, Bridget has worked on a diverse caseload, the same types of cases that will appear in her courtroom, not just criminal cases. In representing victims of Ponzi schemes and other fraud, patent owners, small-business owners, and government entities over 20 years, Bridget has developed an expertise in the law and in deliberate decision-making. Bridget also brings a long commitment to pro bono and volunteer work.

This diverse experience has prepared her to serve all of Hennepin County's citizens. Not only does she have extensive courtroom experience, the broad legal knowledge, and the integrity to serve, but her diverse experience will help understand and meet the needs of all parties.

I can respect others' opinions about things like Halloween and Columbus Day. What I don't understand is why it is demanded that other people give up these things to satisfy such people.

I would welcome an Indigenous Peoples' holiday, in addition to Columbus Day, or Norse Explorers' Day or even People Who Crossed the Alaskan Land Bridge Millenia Ago Day. Why do we have to take away things from others to allow for different but equally valid values? Why can't we celebrate everyone's achievements?

As far as objections to Halloween (Readers Write, Oct. 14), that's fine for those who choose not to participate. Lots of us celebrate a kid-centered holiday that encourages creativity and neighborhood goodwill — not to mention cool decorations. I think anyone who doesn't like others' traditions should feel free to not participate; however, don't make the rest of us lose out on things that we value.