Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that he has accepted two finalists recommended to him by the Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee for an unscheduled vacancy on the Metropolitan Council in District 4, which includes all of Carver and Scott Counties, and the Hennepin County cities of Minnetrista and St. Bonifacius. The finalists are Lee Bernick and Craig Peterson.

Bernick, of Savage, is a licensed realtor exclusively serving the southern metropolitan area with ReMax Advantage Plus. He has won numerous professional awards, including being inducted into the ReMax International Hall of Fame this year. Prior to entering the real estate business with his wife, Julie, Bernick was director of structured finance and business development for Fingerhut Corporation, and had over 12 years of experience in corporate financial management. He served on the Savage City Council from 2000 to 2004, and has been a volunteer at Glendale Elementary School, Savage’s Dan Patch Days, and coached sports through the YMCA and Prior Lake Athletics for Youth Programs.

Peterson, of Chanhassen, is the principal consultant with Marathon Enterprises, Inc., a business specializing in real estate and general management services to small and mid-sized companies. Previously, he held a number of positions for 23 years with Gelco Information Network, Inc., culminating as vice president of administration. He has been a member of the Chanhassen City Council since 2000, chairs the Southwest Transit Commission, and serves on the Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board, and the Chanhassen Economic Development Authority. He previously served on the Chanhassen Planning Commission, including four years as chair.

The seven-member Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee, which recommended these candidates to the Governor, conducted a public hearing on November 1st in Shakopee to accept statements from, or on behalf of, applicants for the position. The Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee members who made these recommendations were Mark Schiffman (Chair), Mike Burton, Dave Clark, Song Lo Fawcett, Cyndee Fields, Paul Gaston, and Maureen Shaver. Seventeen people applied for the position, three applicants withdrew their application prior to the public hearing, and 12 applicants attended the public hearing and gave a presentation to the Nominating Committee.

The Metropolitan Council coordinates planning and development in the seven county metropolitan area and directly operates several regional services. The Metropolitan Council consists of 16 metropolitan citizens appointed from geographically defined districts in the seven county metropolitan area and a chair. All 17 members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms that are co-terminus with the Governor.